Recent Co-op News
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
Know What’s Below
Spring is here. There’s never been a better time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Perhaps you’re making plans for a new garden or a lawn makeover. However you’re planning to revamp your backyard oasis, remember to keep safety in mind for all projects—especially those that require digging...
Idaho Congressman Seeks Support for Plan to Breach the Snake River Hydropower Dams
U.S. Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho wants to get the Columbia and Snake River dams out of seemingly endless court battles. Simpson has a plan to breach the lower Snake River dams while compensating electricity, river transportation and irrigation stakeholders through a infrastructure funding bill that could hit President Joe...
On a Budget? So Is Your Utility Bill
If your electricity use is higher in the winter and summer months, but your budget doesn't ebb and flow with the temperature, Benton REA's budget billing might be right for you. Budget billing eliminates seasonally fluctuating payments and helps families stay within their monthly budgets. The amount you pay will...