Recent Co-op News
![IMG_8345 Ruppert Substation bus work](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_8345-1024x683.jpg)
Ruppert Substation to be Energized in December
November 29, 2021
Benton REA’s newest electric distribution substation is scheduled to come online in December. This eight-bay power distribution hub will receive 115 kilovolt electricity from Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines near Ruppert Road in West Richland. It will transform the high-voltage electricity to 12.4 kV, making it ready to send through...
![CALENDAR COVER+BREA (002)_Page_1_web On the cover of the 2022 Ruralite calendar, highlighted by evening light, a farmer’s crops grow near an old grain elevator. PHOTO BY HAROLD CARLSON](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CALENDAR-COVERBREA-002_Page_1_web-1024x801.jpg)
Member’s Photo Featured on Cover of 2022 Ruralite Calendar
November 27, 2021
The cover photo on the 2022 Ruralite calendar was submitted by Benton REA member and amature photographer Harold Carlson of West Richland. “I drove down this gravel road and saw this structure,” Harold says. “The evening light was hitting it so well and luckily the farmer’s crops were starting to...
![BENTON front The Benton REA Co-op Connections Card](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BENTON-front-1024x683.jpg)
Support Local and Save
November 24, 2021
Use Your Benton REA Co-op Connections Card to save at local businesses this holiday shopping season. Gift wish lists are being made with haste and it’s getting a little colder outside. The holiday shopping season is right around the corner. Speaking of around the corner, there are plenty of locally...
![Clean Energy Generation Illustration_shutterstock_1975412651 [Converted]_small Illustration by Atilla N. Wind, solar and hydropower landscape with a river and mountains](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Clean-Energy-Generation-Illustration_shutterstock_1975412651-Converted_small-1024x538.jpg)
Your Feedback Needed on Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation
November 23, 2021
The Clean Energy Transformation Act, passed in 2019 by the Washington Legislature, requires Benton REA to file a Clean Energy Implementation Plan. Benton REA is seeking member input on this plan. Clean energy is electricity that does not produce carbon or other greenhouse gases as it is generated. Examples include...
![IMG_8382_edited_web Ostrom Mushroom Farms Energy-Efficiency Rebate 2021](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_8382_edited_web-1024x683.jpg)
Ostrom Mushroom Farms Receives $102K Energy-Efficiency Rebate
November 19, 2021
Ostrom Mushroom Farms accepted a $102,585 energy-efficiency rebate from Benton REA, its electric cooperative utility, on November 18, for construction and installation of energy-saving equipment at their Sunnyside facility. In 2019, Ostrom’s installed several energy-efficient measures including LED lighting, water-cooled chiller equipment and variable frequency drives on air handlers, cooling...
![Monthly Manager's Message Header - Powerlines against a sunset](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Managers-Message-Web-Graphic-1024x663.jpg)
PowerNET Launches Broadband Internet – November 2021 Manager’s Message
November 1, 2021
Dear Members, Broadband is internet access operating at 25 megabits per second or faster. That means you can stream movies, play online video games and scroll your social media all at the same time. But beyond entertainment, accessible and affordable broadband can truly transform a rural community by allowing employees...
![LBP_170123_1831 A man and woman look at their heat pump water heater while an installer explain its features](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/LBP_170123_1831-1024x676.jpg)
What Are Hybrid Electric Water Heaters?
October 25, 2021
Hybrid electric water heaters, formerly referred to as heat pump water heaters, are revolutionizing the way we heat water. Compared to traditional electric water heaters, HEWHs can cut your water heating costs in half. Why are they called hybrids? The word hybrid appears in the name because it uses two...
![computer hacker cyber security Computer Hacker with a black mask holding an open lock and a laptop](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Hacker-1024x682.jpg)
Get familiar with Cyber Basics
October 20, 2021
At a time when we are more connected than ever, being “cyber smart” is of the utmost importance. This year has already seen more than a fair share of cyber attacks and breaches, including the high-profile attacks on the Colonial Pipeline and other critical infrastructure. Furthermore, cyber attacks are becoming...
![energy-1827883_1920 three electric meters](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/energy-1827883_1920-1024x683.jpg)
Disconnections Resume December 1
October 19, 2021
After 20 months of waived late fees and no disconnection of service for nonpayment, Benton REA will resume electric and internet disconnections on December 1. Anyone with a past-due balance is encouraged to contact Benton REA before November 30 to set up a payment arrangement. Only during November, those who...
![CoupleAtCoffeeShop3_Source_ScottVanOsdol A couple sits outside at a coffee business downtown](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CoupleAtCoffeeShop3_Source_ScottVanOsdol-1024x683.jpg)
Energy Savings for Your Business
October 16, 2021
Locally owned businesses are the backbone of our community. With fall here, now is the perfect time to make sure your building is equipped for maximum energy savings. LED lighting for your business allows you to maintain your preferred brightness levels while keeping energy costs low. Don’t forget about your...
![ACSI Comparrison Chart Comparison of ACSI Scores (from ACSI) - Members give Benton REA and 89 Satisfaction rating, higher than Southwest Airlines, Nike, Apple, Touchstone average, National Co-op Avg., Wal-Mart, Investor-owned avg., Municipal utility avg., DISH Network and Facebook](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ACSI-Comparrison-Chart-1024x537.jpg)
Members Give Benton REA An 89 Satisfaction Rating
September 6, 2021
For the fifth year in a row, Benton REA members gave their electric cooperative an 89 out of 100 rating in the American Customer Satisfaction Index questions included in the annual satisfaction survey. Each year, Benton REA seeks to understand members’ satisfaction with the cooperative to improve customer service, reliability,...
![002_fam_hr_cmyk_tse.jpg A young mom and her young son crouch together along a trail through tall grass.](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/002_fam_hr_Web-1024x768.jpg)
Members Support and Benefit from Power to Care Bill Assistance Program
September 3, 2021
In September 2020, Benton REA launched the Power to Care bill assistance program. One year later, the program is still helping members get through the pandemic together. Donating to the fund Each month, 449 members of the co-op choose to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar, or...