Recent Co-op News

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...
An illustration of a tree windbreak with evergreens in different shades of green

Plant Windbreak Trees and Save Energy

October 8, 2020
It’s been said the Tri-Cities is a windy area. You’ll get no argument from most area residents. Wind erodes our soil and leads to nasty dust storms. Winter winds can increase a home’s heating costs 10% to 40%. Wind can also be just plain annoying. You can’t stop the wind,...
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Manager’s Message – October 2020, Dam Support, Annual Meeting Invitation

October 1, 2020
Dear Members, In April, many of you chose to stand up for our lower Snake River hydroelectric dams. We received 173 letters from Benton REA members which we mailed to the federal agencies drafting the Columbia River system Operations (CRSO) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). They received more than 56,000 comments...
A ductless heat pump outdoor unit. Photo by Lincoln Barbour, courtesy of NEEA.

Residential HVAC Rebates Increase

September 22, 2020
Benton REA᾽s residential rebates have recently increased for efficient  heating and cooling systems. Ductless Heat Pump - $1,300 This technology is ideal for smaller homes currently without ductwork. Benton REA᾽s ductless heat pump rebate increased to $1,300. Heat Pump - Up to $1,600 Rebates for a new heat pump range...
A woman holds a coffee mug while sitting on a couch and looking at her laptop

Annual Meeting Goes Virtual

September 22, 2020
You’re invited to join Benton REA for the virtual 83rd Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Benton REA is unable to host a member appreciation event and in-person annual meeting in 2020. Adapting with the current events, the board of trustees...
an illustration of three electrical transmission towers

Transmission: From Dam to Doorstep

September 19, 2020
Once the force of a flowing river is turned into electricity at hydroelectric dams, it still has a long way to go before reaching your house, business or school. This energy now must flow along transmission lines, sometimes hundreds of miles from its source. When electricity first leaves a dam,...
Inspired by a member of your co-op community? Your nominee could win up to $5,000. #WhoPowersYou

Nominate a Local Hero in National Cooperative Contest

September 7, 2020
Benton REA and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are pleased to announce the #WhoPowersYou contest celebrating local heroes. It’s a chance for Benton REA members and employees to nominate someone making a difference in the community, and an opportunity to celebrate the power of human connections. In addition to being nationally recognized,...