Recent Co-op News

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Look Up and Live – February 2021

February 1, 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

January 20, 2021
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

January 15, 2021
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?

January 15, 2021
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

January 8, 2021
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

January 4, 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...
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New Year, New Projects – Manager’s Message – January 2021

January 1, 2021
Dear Members, 2021 is going to be a year for growth. Benton REA will be working on some very significant projects in 2021 that will enhance our electrical distribution system. The improvements will help us add new members to our lines and enhance the reliability of electric service to our...
A woman's hand grips a stress ball while giving blood. Text below the image says "Blood Drive Benton REA"

Upcoming Community Blood Drives

December 18, 2020
Benton REA will co-host two American Red Cross blood drives this month. The first blood drive will be Wednesday, January 13, at the Prosser Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The second will be Thursday, January 21, in West Richland at the Mayfield Gathering Place and Gardens. Both drives will be...
Prosser Benton REA office

When Will Benton REA Offices Reopen?

December 18, 2020
Answers to your questions about Benton REA and the pandemic Effects of the coronavirus pandemic have members wondering when business will be back to normal. Benton REA continues to monitor the local situation with members’ and employees’ safety top-of-mind. The cooperative appreciates members’ patience through these trying months. “During these...
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Giving Back to Our Community – Manager’s Message – December 2020

December 1, 2020
Dear Members, Over the years, you have probably heard or read about Benton REA’s concern for our community. This is one of the core principles that sets cooperatives apart from other types of utilities. We take this mission and responsibility to heart. It’s who we are as a co-op. Throughout...
Image of three elected trustees. Text says, "Your votes are in. Congratulations to your reelected trustees serving co-op members 2020-2023. Ron Johnson district 4 trustee West Richland and surrounding rural areas. Tim Grow district 5 trustee Sunnyside area. Scott Fisher District 6 Trustee Mabton and Rimrock areas.

83rd Annual Membership Meeting Recap

November 19, 2020
Benton REA’s 83rd Annual Membership Meeting was scheduled for July. Unfortunately, like most events in 2020, the member appreciation meal, family activities, games and hot air balloon rides had to be canceled. However, Benton REA’s bylaws require an annual business meeting of members, so Benton REA staff improvised and took...
A woman stands in her sliding glass doorway with her cell phone to her ear. Scam artists use phone numbers you recognize. Do not trust your caller ID. Never give away your financial information over the phone.

Watch Out For Financial Scams

November 18, 2020
Unfortunately, in today’s world, financial scams are inevitable. Scammers can threaten you with everything from legal action involving the Internal Revenue Service to turning off power to your home. Utility scams often involve an individual or group posing as an employee of your electric cooperative. The scammer may use threatening...