Recent Co-op News
Surge Protection for $6 A Month
A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage. Regardless of the cause, power surges can damage electronics in your home. Benton REA offers surge protection at your electric meter for only $6 a month. But first, let's look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect...
A Month of Appreciation
Lineworker Appreciation If you have noticed Benton REA's line crews working on power lines and other electrical equipment, it's no secret a lineworker's job is tough—but it's a job that's essential. This month we celebrate lineworkers. The next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they...
Are You Lineworker Material?
If you hate the outdoors, prefer monotonous tasks, despise your community, like to work alone and enjoy working for minimum wage, this isn’t the job for you. Electric lineworkers are hard to find. It is an incredibly challenging and sometimes dangerous job not everyone is cut out for, but it...
A Day on the Lines
Benton REA Line crews work hard day and night to keep the lights on Story and photos by David Herder As the Benton Rural Electric Association lineworkers arrive to their worksite on a late February morning, the poles they plan to raise are covered in snow. For the past week,...
Irrigating Around Electricity
Know the Risks and How to Safe Safe Spring planting is around the corner. Whether you’re a large producer or backyard gardener, keeping safety in mind as you plant and irrigate can save your life. Know What’s Below Do you know where the overhead and underground utilities are on your...
Plant Trees for the Next Generation
If you plan to plant trees on your property this year, think of the life of the tree. Planting a tree incorrectly or in the wrong place can shorten its life, especially if it could grow near power lines. Always call 811 before you dig, no matter how shallow or...
Test Your AC Before It’s Too Hot
Summers can be long and hot, and can seem a lot longer and hotter if your air conditioning system isn’t functioning properly. March and April are great months to test your air conditioning while the weather is mild. If your system isn’t working correctly, or at all, here are some...
Seeking Candidates for Board Districts 1, 2, 3
In 2022, the incumbent Benton REA trustees whose terms expire are Buddy Treadway, District 1; Mike Freepons, District 2; and Bob Evans, District 3. Qualified members can be placed on the ballot as candidates for Benton REA trustee. Members interested in running for the board of trustees must call Executive...
Serve Your Community on the Board of Trustees – March 2022 Manager’s Message
Dear Members, Benton REA Trustees are community-minded individuals with a variety of skills. Our board includes farmers, educators and business professionals. We rely on their many talents to help make informed decisions on long-term priorities and investments. Our trustees live in the co-op’s service area, and we consider them the...
Dreaming of the Sun
As the days get longer, the sun is on our minds. You may be wondering if solar energy is right for you. Here are answers to the frequently asked questions we receive from members considering a solar photovoltaic system investment. How Much Electricity Can I Generate? This depends on several...
2020 Benton REA Fuel Mix Report
Power from Benton REA is 95% Carbon-Free Benton REA members used 534,913 megawatt-hours of electricity in 2020. Of that, 84.69% was produced by hydropower. Another 10.92% was sourced from our local nuclear energy producer and the final 4.39% was from unspecified sources. This data comes from the Washington Fuel Mix...
Save Energy When Working From Home
Today, more Americans are working from home than ever before. More time spent at home means more energy used throughout the day. If you’re punching the clock from home, there are small steps you can take to reduce your energy use and save on electric bills. Here are five easy...
