Benton REA invites public to check out new $20M West Richland complex

Benton Rural Electric Association holds a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony to show off its new $20 million complex in West Richland this weekend.

Staff will move in next month.

The grand opening celebration is at 8:30 a.m., June 20, at 2121 Cooperative Way, near the West Richland Police Department. The West Richland Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting the event.

Benton REA is a member owned utility providing electrical service to more than 12,300 members in a 620-square-mile area of western Benton County

The utility and its 80 employees are moving to West Richland from Prosser to be closer to a core service market and shorten the distance crews travel to the area where most new demand is located.

The 40,000-square-foot building will house administrative, engineering and operations services. It includes a warehouse and garage and boasts a community room that can accommodate up to 190 people.

Benton REA purchased the 17-acre site from the city of West Richland in 2021 and broke ground in late 2024.

Leone & Keeble Inc. of Spokane was the general contractor.

As it consolidates on Cooperative Way, Benton REA will sell properties in Prosser and West Richland, though some office and crew will remain in Prosser to support members there.

Benton REA is not a power producer. Rather, it purchases power from the Bonneville Public Power Administration.