About Us

The Zeeland Board of Public Works (ZBPW) is a municipally owned water and electric utility serving the City of Zeeland (City) and its surrounding community.

How We Operate

The Board of Public Works is a semi-autonomous five member commission approved by City Council to serve staggered five-year terms. The Board is responsible to City Council, and Zeeland citizens, for the prudent operation of the City’s water and electric utilities.

Certain employees and facilities are shared operationally between the two utilities and with other departments of the City of Zeeland. All utility costs are segregated (joint expenses are shared proportionally) and financed solely through the revenues generated by their respective utility sales. Financing for large capital assets have been generally obtained through issuing tax-exempt municipal revenue bonds.

Strategic Plan

We invite you to review the Zeeland Board of Public Works 2022-2027 Strategic Plan and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or feedback.

View Our Strategic Plan

Service Starts

The City began providing water and electricity to its inhabitants in 1902. The electrical system was sold in 1915 and a 10-year franchise agreement was signed with Consumers Power Company. The franchise was renewed for another 10-year term in 1925.

A Desire for Independence

Nearing conclusion of the second term, Zeeland citizens began efforts to reestablish their municipally owned electric utility. In addition to issuing revenue bonds to finance an entirely new power production and electrical distribution system, the City received assistance through the Public Works Administration.

Municipally Owned

In 1935, Zeeland again began supplying electricity using its own generation and distribution system. This new utility was operated under the direct supervision of the City Council until an approved City Charter revision created the Board of Public Works in 1952.