Benton Rural Electric Association

the benton rural electric association is a not for profit electric cooperative, owned by those we serve. benton rea members elect nine board members who represent their interest in terms of policies, the direction of the utility, and actions taken by the association. because benton rea is a not-for-profit cooperative, owned by our members, any profits above cost belong to our members. these net margins that remain, after all expenses, are returned to our members who paid their electric bills. these funds are called capital credits. when sufficient cash reserves are on hand the 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 2016, $500,000 was returned to benton rea members. to date, more than $10.5 million has been returned to our members.