Recent Co-op News

a person lifts a pile of dirt with a shovel. You cannot see the person except their legs and hand on the shovel. The dirt is flying. Call 811 before you dig.

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...
The image has three photos, on the left is dry, cracked earth, the middle is irrigated green crops, on the right is an image of the ocean. The text says "Carbon free hydropower is critical in our fight against climate change."

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...
Graph of levelized billing payments

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...
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10 Steps to Take Before Installing Solar

As prices decline and technology improves, installing a residential solar system—also called a photo-voltaic system—makes sense for some. However, it’s important to know the facts before committing to a purchase. Consider these points as you explore whether solar is right for you. 1. MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT BEFORE...
a close up of a woman wearing a blue plaid shirt and denim skirt pluggin in her Chevy Bolt to a charger at home

Is Your Home Electric Vehicle Ready?

Drivers across the U.S. are starting to refuel at the outlet instead of the gas pump. As electric vehicle growth continues, studies are finding most drivers are plugging in at home to charge. “EV-ready homes” describes homes providing safe access to a dedicated power supply for charging at a Level...
A young man sits on a couch looking at his cell phone - viewing his paperless bill

Stay Informed, Go Paperless with SmartHub

With convenient access to your Benton REA bill anytime and anywhere through SmartHub, doing your part to care for the environment is easy through paperless billing. Yet as of December, only 2,836 Benton REA members and PowerNET customers had signed up for paperless billing. Signing up for paperless billing is...
Monthly Manager's Message Header - Powerlines against a sunset

Look Up and Live – February 2021

Dear Members, Electrical safety is immensely important to me and to Benton REA, especially as we look forward to the spring planting season. Whether you are working in your back yard or responsible for a large agriculture operation, it is important to be aware of power lines near you—both above...
A blue humidifier vents steam out the top. It is resting on a white table with a tropical house plant behind it. Photo by Abby Berry, NRECA

Five Ways to Stay Cozy this Winter

Baby, it’s cold outside! When you’re feeling chilly at home, there are several budget-friendly ways to stay comfortable without turning up the thermostat. Here are five easy ways: Whether you’re experiencing extremely cold winter temperatures or you simply “run cold,” an electric blanket can deliver quick warmth in a way...
Someone handing a cashier their Co-op Connections Card

Co-op Connections App Offers Local Coupons Without Scissors

Co-op Connections is a free coupons program brought to you by Benton REA. Benton REA wants to help you stretch every dollar when running errands, planning a trip or taking care of you and your family. Your Co-op Connections Card will help you to save money at local restaurants, service...
A PowerNET wireless internet technician installs broadcasting equipment on a tower overlooking Prosser, Washington. He is in the bucket of a utility truck.

Can We Live Without the Internet Post COVID-19?

If we learned anything in 2020, it’s that every home in America needs reliable access to the internet. In 2020, 4 million fewer shoppers made purchases during the Black Friday weekend than in 2019, yet Cyber Monday online shopping rose 15%, according to Adobe Analytics. With state and local orders...
Hot air balloons fly over Prosser in the 2017 Great Prosser Balloon Rally

Wanted: Donation Requests

Benton REA is seeking community donation requests. Those meeting the following guidelines will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis.  Only one donation request greater than $200 per organization, activity or group will be considered per calendar year. A maximum of three total donations per organization each year will be awarded....
A young boy stands on a washing machine and dryer wearing a towel like a cape, swimming goggles and a swimming cap. He is standing with his hands on his hips like a superhero pose.

Three DIY Efficiency Projects to Tackle in 2021

A new year brings new opportunities to save energy and money. You may think energy-efficiency upgrades require a great deal of time and expense, but that’s not always the case. If you to make your home more efficient, but don’t want to break the bank, there are several do-it-yourself projects...