Earlier this summer, Benton REA hosted its third annual Elected Leaders Luncheon, bringing together local, state and federal policymakers, industry partners, and electric utility leaders.
The luncheon gives Benton REA an important opportunity to strengthen relationships with those whose decisions affect the cost, reliability and safety of electric service. It also allows cooperative leaders to share the challenges facing the electric utility industry and advocate for practical solutions on behalf of our members.
This year’s event featured updates from Benton REA leadership on the state of the cooperative, key policy priorities and planned infrastructure investments. U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse delivered the keynote address and was recognized for his 12 years of service in Congress. Benton REA presented Newhouse with its Guardian of Public Power Award in recognition of his long-standing support for public power, hydropower and the communities served by consumer-owned utilities.
Focused on Safety, Reliability and Affordability
Benton REA’s advocacy efforts center on three principles that matter most to our members: safety, reliability and affordability.
Reducing Wildfire Risk
Wildfire risk continues to grow across Benton REA’s 620-square-mile service area. State and federal policies must recognize that changing conditions require utilities to take proactive steps to protect their systems and the communities they serve.
Benton REA supports policies that give utilities the tools and authority needed to manage vegetation within and near power line rights of way. We also support more efficient permitting when utilities must repair or rebuild critical infrastructure during emergencies.
Utilities should be held accountable for operating safely and responsibly. At the same time, those that follow state-approved wildfire mitigation plans and make meaningful investments to reduce risk should receive reasonable liability protections. A balanced approach protects the public while allowing utilities to continue investing in safer, more resilient systems.
Preparing for Growing Energy Needs
Electricity demand is increasing across the Northwest, but new power generation and transmission infrastructure is not being developed fast enough to keep pace. Maintaining a dependable supply of electricity must remain central to state and federal energy policy.
Benton REA advocates for preserving the region’s existing carbon-free resources, particularly hydropower and nuclear energy. We also support investments in new transmission lines, dependable generating resources and emerging technologies such as advanced nuclear energy and small modular reactors.
A balanced mix of resources will be essential to keeping the lights on as the region’s energy needs grow.
Protecting Affordability
The cost of providing electric service has increased significantly in recent years. Over the past decade, Benton REA’s costs for power have risen approximately 23%, poles and related equipment about 50%, labor 58% and transformers an extraordinary 192%.
Despite those pressures, Benton REA limited its rate increases during the same period to 18.2%. One reason is the affordable hydropower we purchase from the Bonneville Power Administration. Hydropower currently supplies approximately 75% of Benton REA’s electricity, including power generated by the four lower Snake River dams.
Benton REA continues to advocate for preserving the lower Snake River dams and the broader Federal Columbia River Power System. These resources are essential to maintaining reliable, carbon-free and affordable electricity throughout the Northwest.
Investing in West Richland
Advocacy also helps Benton REA pursue outside funding for local infrastructure projects, reducing the amount cooperative members pay through electric rates.
At the luncheon, Benton REA previewed its planned 2027 Washington State Capital Budget request. The cooperative will seek $2 million to help move two critical overhead distribution lines underground in West Richland.
The project would improve electric service reliability for approximately 62% of West Richland services, reduce the frequency and duration of outages, and lower wildfire risk by removing potential overhead ignition sources. For members, state funding would help make these improvements possible while reducing the portion of the project costs that would otherwise be recovered through electric rates.
Your Voice in Energy Policy
Decisions made in city halls, Olympia and Washington, D.C., ultimately reach our members through their
electric bills, the
reliability of their service and the safety of their communities.
That is why Benton REA engages directly with elected leaders. As stewards of your cooperative, we have a responsibility to make sure rural communities and
member-owned utilities have a voice when energy policies are developed.
By building strong relationships and advocating for practical solutions, Benton REA is working to protect what matters most: safe, reliable and affordable electricity for today’s members and generations to come.
