Celebrating Innovation
Holland Board of Public Works
Local. Reliable. Efficient. Essential.
Since 1893, the Holland Board of Public Works (BPW) has been a cornerstone of the community. Today, we provide electric, water, wastewater, and broadband, all with a steadfast commitment to reliability, efficiency, and stewardship. BPW’s approach to innovation is rooted in listening to the community, engaging stakeholders, and empowering employees to drive continuous improvement.
Forward-thinking Processes
Holland BPW has routine processes that welcome innovation and continuous improvement in all areas of the organization. Driven by our culture of continuous improvement, our Five-Year Planning process and Tactical Actions keep Holland BPW moving forward.
A departmental Five-Year Planning process ensures that all our teams are planning for what comes next. Through Five-Year Planning, we set goals for the next year and beyond. This allows us to address timely initiatives and prepare for longer-term projects that move the directives of Holland BPW’s Strategic Plan forward.
Holland BPW also uses Tactical Actions as an effective method to address special projects and emerging issues. Each year, we form project teams that take a problem and form a solution through a collaborative approach. Tactical Action teams are always cross-functional, bringing employees together who might not always work together. Tactical Actions from 2025 addressed nine initiatives: Holland City Fiber, our procurement process, researching a new phone system, remote connectivity for field crews, continuity of operations planning, integrated resource planning, creating an artificial intelligence policy, new employee onboarding process improvements, and updating our safety manual.
Community Engagement: The Heart of Innovation
BPW’s most impactful projects begin with listening. Stakeholder engagement is central to the utility’s strategy, ensuring that new solutions reflect what matters most to residents and businesses. This philosophy was the driving force behind two standout initiatives: Holland Energy Park and the expansion of BPW Fiber.
Holland Energy Park: A Model for Sustainable Power
Holland Energy Park (HEP) is a state-of-the-art combined cycle natural gas plant that exemplifies BPW’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency. HEP earned the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure’s Envision® Platinum award—the first base load power plant to do so. Its advanced technology has cut the community’s carbon emissions in half, delivered two rate decreases for customers, and enabled the early retirement of plant debt in just seven years. The plant’s design and operation were shaped by community input, ensuring that environmental stewardship and economic benefit went hand in hand.
BPW Fiber: Broadband Built by and for Holland
The expansion of BPW’s high-speed fiber network began with a community call to action. A taskforce of local stakeholders explored the benefits of community-owned broadband, ultimately recommending a citywide expansion. In August 2022, residents voted to invest in this future-forward infrastructure. Today, BPW Fiber offers 2,000 Mbps service for just $45/month, with no contracts or hidden fees, and boasts a 96% customer satisfaction rate. Service is rolling out across Holland, ensuring equitable access to reliable, affordable internet.
Water Reclamation Facility: Leading with Sustainability
Innovation at BPW extends to water reclamation, where the addition of an anaerobic digester has dramatically reduced solid waste and generated renewable energy for the facility. The next step is the implementation of a cutting-edge ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system, replacing traditional chemical methods to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and protect local waterways.
Conclusion
Holland BPW’s innovative spirit is rooted in community engagement, continuous improvement, and a commitment to sustainability. From award-winning energy solutions to broadband expansion, advanced utility management, and sustainable water reclamation technologies, BPW is setting the standard for how public utilities can serve and strengthen their communities—today and for generations to come.
