Recent Co-op News

David Hanson, executive director, and Ken Trainor, director of operations for Sunrise Outreach Center food banks accept a check for $3,000 from Benton REA Board President Connie Krull (center).

Benton REA Donates $15K to Local Food Banks

Fifteen thousand dollars is helping feed local families thanks to Benton REA and matching funds from CoBank, one of the utility’s lenders. Benton REA received a $7,500 matching grant from the CoBank Sharing Success program. Together, the $15,000 donation will help families through three organizations within the Benton REA member...
A mother holds a tablet while she looks at her pre-teen-age daughter. Both are wearing pink shirts and a lamp is on between them. PowerNET's managed router service helps families and businesses manage their internet network.

A Lot of Security for Less Than a Latte

PowerNET's managed router service helps families and businesses manage their internet network For the cost of one large latte, have peace of mind about your home internet network. PowerNET’s managed router service helps families and businesses maximize their internet use while helping protect everyone connected for just $5 a month,...
Monthly Manager's Message Header - Powerlines against a sunset

Choose How Benton REA Pays You – July 2021

Dear Members, Did you know that Benton REA pays its members? It’s the cooperative difference and something we’re incredibly proud of. By purchasing electricity from Benton REA, you are also a member-owner. Your ownership is reflected in what we call ownership credits. These ownership credits are allocated to you based...
A woman adjusts a thermostat that currently reads 78 degrees Fahrenheit

Potential Capacity Shortage: Members are asked to conserve energy during heat wave

Benton REA is asking members to conserve their use of electricity during these extreme high temperatures. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which supplies power for Benton REA and other local utilities, has informed Benton REA that the extreme heat is putting record demand on its system. BPA says if demand...
A man and woman lean on the kitchen countertop looking at an i pad the man is holding

Get Paid Your Way: New Options for Ownership Credits

Benton REA has made it easier and more convenient than ever to get paid your ownership credits. Members can now receive their Benton REA capital (ownership) credit payments as an electric bill credit. By purchasing electricity from Benton REA, you are a member-owner. Your ownership is reflected in credits allocated...
Computer Repair and Support , cyber security

4 Ways to Stay Cyber-Secure

The internet can be dangerous and scary. We’ve seen the lists of ideas for better cybersecurity. The problem is, the tips aren’t helpful unless we act on them. We know we should use long passwords and change them regularly. But do we? Here are three reasons to encourage you to...
an image of the sun shining a bright yellow and orange light on the clouds, solar energy

Solar Equipment 101

If a person had a Rip Van Winkle moment and fell asleep under a tree a decade ago, they would be amazed at how far solar photovoltaic systems have come. Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Once the most expensive form of electricity generation, economies of scale in...
a mother and her child, about 10 months old, pose for a photo on a path with tall grass on either side of them

Benton REA Members Pay Neighbors’ Electricity Bills

Benton REA members who need assistance paying past-due electric bills may qualify for help from fellow co-op members through the Power to Care program. To receive Power to Care funds, you must: Be a residential member of Benton REA, Have a past due balance on your electric account, or have...
Monthly Manager's Message Header - Powerlines against a sunset

Stocking the Energy Pantry – June 2021

Dear Members, After spring planting, we make sure our vegetables, grain and fruit have enough water and sunshine throughout the heat of summer so we can harvest and store our bounty to use throughout the year. Similarly with electricity, hydropower gives us the ability to store and meet energy demand...
a professional tree trimmer prunes branches near a power line. He is wearing a hard hat, safety vest and ear protection.

Tree Pruning Improves Services for All

We are fortunate to have so many trees offering beauty, shade, and a habitat for birds and other wildlife. Benton REA strives to balance maintaining beautiful surroundings with a reliable power supply by keeping power lines clear in rights-of-way. A right-of-way is the land Benton REA uses to construct, maintain,...
A woman and a man stand holding hands, wearing paint-stained pants, barefoot on newspaers. They are holding paint brushes. The top half of their bodies are not visible.

Practice Safety When DIY-ing

These days many of us are spending more time at home and finding new, creative ways to enhance our living space. Tackling do-it-yourself projects can be fun and cost-effective, so why not roll up those sleeves and get started! Whether painting the front door with a fresh hue or finally...
an array of solar panels

Questions to Ask Your Solar Contractor

As with any major home improvement project, buying from the right contractor is every bit as important as the product you are buying. Due diligence is critical to ensure you get the best system for a fair price, and that it is installed correctly and on time. This lengthy list...