We understand the topic of data centers has generated questions and interest throughout our communities. Benton REA is committed to providing our members with useful, factual information about large energy projects and what they may mean for our cooperative.
This page is intended to help answer common questions, explain our role and responsibilities, and provide information about the process in a clear and transparent way. We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.
No. Project-specific costs are not passed on to existing members. Large-load members are responsible for the costs associated with serving their load. In addition, high-load-factor commercial members can provide additional revenue that helps support grid modernization, safety and reliability and can help mitigate future rate increases for other members.
No. Under Benton REA’s policy, requesting data centers must secure and fund their own dedicated power supply. This protects the cooperative’s BPA allocation and helps ensure existing members’ access to that resource is not affected.
Benton REA's policy is designed specifically to prevent that. Data centers must secure and fund their own dedicated power supply rather than relying on Benton REA's low-cost BPA allocation.
No. Benton REA has an obligation to evaluate requests for electric service fairly and consistently and cannot arbitrarily deny service based on the type of load. That responsibility applies to everyone from residential members to large commercial and industrial loads.
No. Large projects must pay their own way. Under Benton REA’s board-approved policy, a requesting data center must pay for the infrastructure required specifically to serve its load, including substations, lines and necessary system reinforcements.
No. Benton REA evaluates service requests using established policies and engineering requirements.
Possibly. Larger loads may provide diversified revenue to the cooperative. That revenue can support investment in grid safety, modernization and reliability and help spread fixed system costs across a broader member base.
Potentially, yes. When a large project funds new substations, lines and system reinforcements, that investment can expand system capacity and strengthen the electric grid.
Thank you for visiting this page. if you have more in-depth questions, please reach out to our Member Experience team at 509-786-2913.