Managers Message

Charles L. Dawsey
General Manager/Executive Vice President for Benton REA.

The Ups and Downs of Winter

Dear Members:

It's that time of year when winter coats are retrieved from the closet and ice scrapers are exhumed from our car trunks. As the temperatures plummet, we can expect the cost of heating our homes to increase accordingly. However, taking into account its convenience and its many uses, the cost of electricity is a bargain.

One of the most popular ways to deal with the seasonal fluctuation of electric bills is to "level" them out. Benton REA's Levelized Billing program simply bills each account for usage that represents an average of the usage reflected on the most recent 12 electric bills for the participating account. This helps alleviate the impact of the higher winter electric bills.

Benton REA also offers an Auto Pay feature which will automatically deduct your monthly bill from your checking account or credit card. By combining Levilized Billing with the Auto Pay feature you won't have to worry about due dates or late fees, allowing you to relax and focus on other, more important, things.

To address lower/fixed income senior members, Benton REA offers a Low Income Senior/Disability Discount of $24 a month for qualifying members. The age requirement can be waived with proof of permanent disability.

The fact that over 85% of the energy delivered by Benton REA is generated by hydroelectricity ensures that Benton REA members can heat their home with a clean and non-polluting energy source. The Benton REA Board and its members are concerned about the environment and are constantly looking for ways to use electricity wisely. As part of Benton REA's commitment to energy conservation and the environment we have developed and offer a number of programs.

All Benton REA members can take advantage of our numerous energy efficiency programs which include rebates for efficient appliances, heat pumps, ductless heat pumps, and energy efficient windows.

In order to address environmental concerns regarding disposal of old refrigerators, Benton REA has a refrigerator/freezer recycling program. The program is designed to encourage environmentally responsible disposal of qualifying appliances. Benton REA will pay $30 to pick up the refrigerator/freezer that qualifies under the program and haul it away.

If you have any questions regarding any of these programs, contact Benton REA's Member Services department at (509) 786-2913, toll free at (800) 221-6987 or stop by one of our three local offices and lets work together to save our environment and use energy wisely. After all, that is "The Cooperative Way."

Charles Dawsey

General Manager