Recent Co-op News

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...
Monthly Manager's Message Header - Powerlines against a sunset

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...
Monthly Manager's Message Header - Powerlines against a sunset

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...
A teenage girl reclines on her bed while looking at a laptop and holding a pen in her right hand about to write in a notebook

Scholarship Applications Due January 4

November 4, 2020
Graduating high school seniors whose parents are members of Benton REA and whose main residence is within Benton, Yakima or Lewis counties are eligible to apply for Benton REA’s 2020-2021 scholarships. Applications are due January 4, 2021. Students pursuing either a trade, technical or academic education may qualify. Scholarships will...
Monthly Manager's Message Header - Powerlines against a sunset

Manager’s Message – November 2020, A Bright Future Thanks to Our Veterans and Youth

November 1, 2020
Dear Members, I agree with the adage, “freedom is not free.” Generations of American men and women risked, and gave their lives over the years serving in the U.S. military so that friends, family and complete strangers could remain free and safe. These amazing patriots gave up their time and...
a mother and her child, about 10 months old, pose for a photo on a path with tall grass on either side of them

Applications for Bill Assistance Now Open

October 31, 2020
Two local community action agencies are now accepting applications for Benton REA’s new bill assistance program. Qualifying residential members who need assistance paying their electric bill may apply. More than $4,500 Raised As of October 21, Benton REA members donated $2,270.25 to the bill assistance fund through one-time and monthly...
a man wears an employee apron and a mask as he stands with arms folded in a grocery or hardware store

Don’t Worry: Enroll in AutoPay

October 21, 2020
There is plenty to worry about in 2020. Why let paying your electric or internet bill be on that list? Benton REA’s automatic payment plan allows you to have your Benton REA payments drawn directly from your bank account, your credit card or your debit card. You will never have...