Empowering the Future: Benton REA Secures a $3M Grant to Benefit Our Community Members

We are thrilled to announce that Benton Rural Electric Association has successfully raised $3,000,000 to further enhance our mission as a not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperative. This significant funding achievement is a testament to our members’ enduring support and commitment to ensuring that our electric utility remains not only reliable but also true to our cooperative values. As a community-rooted organization, our eight board members, elected by our membership, have consistently steered the Association towards policies and initiatives that guarantee equitable service and prudent utility management. The funds raised will be strategically invested to improve our infrastructure, bolster our renewable energy initiatives, and enhance our overall operational efficiency, ensuring that we can continue to deliver affordable and sustainable electric services to our members. At Benton Rural Electric Association, we operate on the fundamental belief that any profits generated beyond the cost of service belong directly to our members. These net margins, which are prudently managed, are returned as ownership credits, allowing every member to share in the benefits of our financial success. To date, we have proudly returned over $15.5 million to our members, demonstrating our commitment to a model that champions both community participation and direct financial benefit. The recent capital raise of $3,000,000 will serve as a catalyst for new projects and technological improvements, reinforcing our dedication to keeping costs low and quality high for the communities we serve. We appreciate the ongoing trust and partnership of our members and are excited to embark on this new phase of growth with the promise of more efficient, sustainable services for everyone involved.