You Have the Power to Care

In September 2020, Benton REA launched the Power to Care bill assistance program. Now, the program has helped income-qualified members pay nearly $85,000 in past-due bills.

Donating to the Fund

Each month, 744 Benton REA members choose to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar or more.

Since 2020, members have donated $57,464.14. This includes the amount of ownership credit payments that members chose to donate back to the fund. Benton REA also donates their B&O excise tax refund to the program.

Donating to the program is voluntary. Members can enroll through their Benton REA SmartHub account or by completing the form on the back of your billing stub.

Receiving Funds

As of January 31, 2024, 380 members received a total of $84,673.17 to help pay their past-due electric bills.

Residential members with past-due balances on their electric accounts can apply to receive donated funds.

Bill assistance is granted as a credit on the qualifying members’ electric account once per calendar year. The amount received depends on household size, income and the amount due on the electric account.

To apply, download the Power to Care Bill Assistance Application and return it to a Benton REA office.

For more information on donating to Power to Care or to download the application, visit www.BentonREA.org/PowerToCare.