OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Benton Rural Electric Association (REA), with offices in Prosser and West Richland, are set to receive a share of $23 million by the Washington State Department of Commerce to enhance the state’s electrical grid.
This initiative aims to improve grid reliability and prepare for challenges such as storms and wildfires.
The projects, funded through state and federal partnerships, strive to improve grid reliability and prepare for challenges such as storms and wildfires. It includes burying power lines, upgrading infrastructure, and installing modern relay panels, the Department of Commerce said in a release.
Benton REA was awarded $3 million to implement fire prevention systems and smart grid technologies in Eastern Washington.
“This project represents a major step forward in strengthening our electric system against wildfire risk while enhancing energy reliability for the communities we serve,” said Ryan Redmond, Chief Executive Officer of Benton REA.
The projects are moving forward for federal approval through the Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office, Commerce said.
To see the full list of projects, visit the Washington State Department of Commerce website.
