Benton Rural Electric Association (REA), a public utility, is getting out of the internet service provision business. Benton REA has sold its PowerNET internet service to Yakima-based Advanced High Speed Internet for $110,000. This move is aimed toward refocusing Benton REA back to its primary mission, which is providing electrical services.
Strategic Refocus on Core Services
Benton REA’s decision to sell PowerNET comes from a lack of focus and streamlining strategy from the utility in the core business that is the energy sector. Advanced High Speed Internet is in the business of serving rural internet customers and Benton REA believes PowerNET’s customer base will be served better by this company.
A PowerNET Legacy to Serve Rural Communities
Benton REA founded PowerNET with the aim of connecting rural and underserved communities back in 1997. It serves about 1000 users, helping to eliminate the gap of access to the internet in unreliable areas.
Rationale From Utility’s End: How Electricity Derives its Problems with Bandwidth
Selling PowerNET will significantly improve Benton REA’s resource allocation, permitting the utility to fully channel its bandwidth and competencies towards dealing with mounting issues in the electric industry. Benton REA will strive to make sure that the electricity delivered to its members is safe, reliable, and affordable.
Seamless Operational Shift: Customer Service Consistency
PowerNET customers stand to benefit directly from the sale, as pointed out by Benton REA’s CEO, Ryan Redmond. In his own words: “The sale of PowerNET to Advanced High Speed Internet will give customers the service they deserve from a company that specializes in servicing the internet to rural areas.”
Shift Towards The Future First: Electricity Takes The Forefront
Now that Benton REA no longer has to focus on internet service provision, it can work towards fulfilling its core mission of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members and the community. The utility is confident that realigning operational focus will help the utility more effectively attend to the community’s need for a sustainable energy future.
