Billing Service Department
1501 Citizens Way, Benton, AR 72015
Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
About us
Benton's own utility since 1918
City-owned electric, water and wastewater service for 15,000+ customers, overseen by a commission of Benton residents.
Our mission
Reliable service at competitive rates, planned for Benton's growth
The mission of Benton Utilities is to provide efficiently managed and operated electric, water and wastewater services at competitive rates, and to maintain a strategy that meets current needs and the future demands the city's growth will place on the system.
We are dedicated to providing the most reliable energy at the lowest possible cost to you, our customers.
- Competitive rates
- Friendly customer service
- Community oriented
Our history
More than a century of public service
The water treatment facility. Benton's municipal waterworks date to 1916.
- 1914
Citizens ask for public water
Benton residents petitioned for a municipal water system. The Benton Municipal Waterworks opened on Hazel Street in 1916.
- 1918
Electricity under local ownership
The city's electric plant was municipalized, bringing Benton's power under public ownership.
- 1947
The system grows
Water main and sewer additions in 1947 and facility upgrades in 1953 kept pace with the growing city.
- 1954
Lake Norrell
Lake Norrell was completed to provide drought backup, in partnership with Little Rock. It still supplies Benton today.
- 2004
The Public Utility Commission
The Benton City Council created the Benton Public Utility Commission to oversee the electric, water and wastewater systems, operating as Benton Utilities.
- 2017
Benton's first city-owned substation
The $3 million West Benton Substation came online to make sure power is available when and where it is needed.
- 2026
Serving 15,000+ customers
Residential, commercial and industrial customers across Benton and parts of Saline County.
Recognized for safety
APPA Safety Award of Excellence
The American Public Power Association recognized the Benton Utilities Electric Department with its Safety Award of Excellence in 2024 and 2025. The 2024 award carried the Diamond designation.
Leadership
Todd Pedersen, General Manager
Mr. Pedersen manages and coordinates the day-to-day activities of all departments under the direction of the Public Utility Commission. He joined Benton Utilities on February 27, 2023, after serving the City of West Memphis Utility Commission from 2002, most recently as General Manager.
He holds a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University, Arkansas Department of Health Level 4 Water Distribution and Water Treatment Operator's licenses, a Wastewater III license and an Arkansas Basic Industrial license.
Facilities
Where we work
Customer business is handled at the Billing Service Department.
Administration and Electric
1827 Dale Ave., Benton, AR 72015. Commission meetings are held here.
Water Treatment and Distribution
1314 Venturi Dr., Benton, AR 72019
Wastewater
616 W. Hazel St., Benton, AR 72015