SCADA control
A computer system monitors and controls the flow of power. Substation technicians can operate field equipment remotely over our own fiber optic network.
Electric Department
Electric service for Benton
The most reliable service at the lowest possible cost to you, our customer.
Reliability
Maintained to prevent outages
Our maintenance programs meet the National Electric Safety Code. Crews regularly inspect and replace key equipment such as poles, capacitors, regulators, reclosers and underground cable.
- $3 millionWest Benton Substation, online since 2017 at 1908 Dale Ave.
- $500,000+spent each year keeping trees out of power lines
- 1918the year Benton's electric plant came under city ownership
Behind the scenes
How we keep the grid running
Outage management
Smart meters and outage software help predict and isolate problems before they cause failures. You can see current outages on the outage map.
Connected crews
Every truck carries an internet-connected computer, so crews have the information they need at the job site.
Trees and power lines
Trimming on a schedule
Trees, vines and falling limbs cause more power failures in Benton than anything else. Each distribution feeder is trimmed on its own cycle instead of waiting for problems, and we are moving residential lines underground over time.
- We maintain the primary lines that run from pole to pole.
- Limbs near the service line from the pole to your house are generally the customer's responsibility. Call us and we will take a look.
- Need a tree trimmed near your service line? Schedule a temporary disconnect at least 2 days ahead. Call back before 3:00 p.m. when the trimming is done and we will reconnect you that day, during business hours.
Lighting
Streetlights and night lights
Streetlight out?
Streetlights are placed for the citizens of Benton. Report one that is out by calling 501-776-5930 or using the report form.
Nightwatcher lights
A nightwatcher is a security light installed at your request and billed monthly, with a two-year minimum contract. Sign up at the billing office.
Building or adding service?
Electric meter installation and connection are charged at actual cost and paid before work begins (Ordinance No. 60 of 2017).