One of the three public utilities providing power to Tri-City residents is receiving state funding to help maintain and upgrade its power grid infrastructure. 

Benton Rural Electric Association is one of six public utility districts receiving a total of $23 million from the state Department of Commerce. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program as well as state funds. Grant recipients must provide matching funds equal to 33% of the award. 

Benton REA plans to use the $3 million grant to buy fire prevention systems, implement smart grid technologies, replace aging power lines to reduce wildfire risk and modernize its electric grid. 

“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, Benton REA’s CEO, in a statement.