Benton Rural Electric Association

The Benton Rural Electric Association is a not for profit electric cooperative, owned by those we serve. Founded in 1937 and energized in 1938, Benton REA currently serves 15,689 accounts. We average 7 accounts per mile of line.  Members elect 9 board members who represent their interest in terms of policies, the direction of the utility and actions taken by the Association. Since we are a not-for-profit cooperative owned by our members, any profits above cost belong to our members. Those net margins, or capital credits, remaining after all expenses are returned to our members with accounts in good standing. When the Association has sufficient cash reserves on hand, our Trustees can authorize a refund of capital credits accrued to the people who were members of the Association during the year authorized for refund. In 2014, Benton REA returned more than $300,000 to members. To date, nearly $10 million has been returned to our members.

Benton REA is a Touchstone Energy Member

The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives brand represents a nationwide alliance made of more than 740 local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives in 46 states. Touchstone Energy co-ops collectively deliver power and energy solutions to more than 30 million members every day. Electric cooperatives distribute power for 75 percent of the U.S. land mass over 2.4 million miles of power lines.

Electric cooperatives were established to provide electricity to rural America, and now make up the largest electric utility network in the nation. Touchstone Energy is the national brand identity for that network.

Did you know Electric Cooperatives …

• Are located in 80% of the nation’s counties
• Are the largest electric utility network in the nation
• Total more than 900 local systems in 47 states
• Have 42 million member-owners
• Distribute power over 2.5 million miles of line
• Serve 75% of the U.S. land mass
• Own $130 billion in generation, transmission, and distribution assets
• More than 88% of all local electric co-ops offer electricity generated from renewable sources.