Benton REA’s meter replacement project is well underway. We are replacing electric meters across our service area as part of a broader effort to modernize our electric system and improve reliability, safety, and service.
The replacement meters will offer our members enhanced services such as:
- Faster response to outages-often identifying issues before they are reported
- Improved electric service and reduced outage duration
- Wildfire risk reduction efforts through better system visibility
- Improved voltage quality and power consistency
- More accurate billing
- Reduced on-site visits, allowing crews to focus on reliability and system improvements
This update will help Benton REA move to a more responsive system and align with 72% of utilities across the country.
Many of our current meters are reaching the end of their service life, and the system supporting them is outdated. Replacing them is part of Benton REA’s broader grid modernization work to improve reliability, speed up outage response, support wildfire protection efforts, enhance voltage quality, and maintain billing accuracy.
Updated meters help Benton REA provide better service by allowing us to:
- Respond to outages faster, often identifying issues before they are reported
- Improve system reliability and reduce outage duration
- Support wildfire risk reduction efforts through better system visibility
- Enhance voltage quality and improve power consistency
- Provide more accurate billing
- Reduce some on-site visits, allowing crews to focus on reliability and system improvements
This technology helps us operate a smarter, more responsive grid that directly benefits you.
As Benton REA continues to modernize the system, you will benefit from a more reliable and responsive electric grid. Over time, this technology may also support better tools and insights to help you understand and manage energy use.
In most cases, no. Meters are typically located outside and can be replaced without anyone home. If access is needed, we will contact you to coordinate.
Power will be briefly interrupted during the meter replacement, typically for less than five minutes. You will receive advance notice before your meter is replaced.
AMI meters measure the total energy used, time it's used (helps us determine overall energy use throughout our service area) and the location. It does not measure or record power used by individual appliances or your activities in the home.
AMI meters do not collect any personal identifying information. All information we do collect is sent through an encrypted network. Benton REA has always respected our members' privacy and will continue to do so.
Yes, these meters meet industry safety standards and are designed to operate safely alongside everyday household devices. They are also widely used across the country, including all our neighboring utilities.
The American Cancer Society, the World Health Organization, and Health Canada have studied AMI meter technology and didn't identify public health risk.
The new meters radiate less radio frequency (RF) energy than your cell phone, microwave, or household WiFi.
No. Your bill will continue to be based on your actual energy use. However, over time, older analog meters can slow down. New meters provide more precise readings, which helps ensure billing accuracy. If you notice a change, it is typically related to improved accuracy. You can always reach our Member Experience Department with any billing questions or concerns at 509-786-2913 or support@bentonrea.org.
Today, outage response often starts with member calls and time spent locating the issue. Grid modernization helps us identify outages faster, direct crews more efficiently, and restore power sooner.
Yes. Crews will continue to visit properties for maintenance, service work, and system improvements as needed.
Our Member Experience team is here to help! You can reach us at 509-786-2913 or through the Contact Us page on our website.