Zeeland, Michigan – Zeeland Board of Public Works (BPW) is celebrating Public Power Week along with 2,000 other community-powered, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 49 million Americans. “Public Power Week allows us to highlight our community and those we serve, and the positive impact local municipal electrical power has on its community. Our team lives here and works here, and we’re all working to make the community we live in a better place and make our community stronger,” said Brian Coots, Transmission and Distribution Manager at the BPW. Zeeland BPW is powered by our incredible community, which comes with heaps of benefits, including:
- Low electric rates
- High reliability
- Dedicated local service
- Community-focused initiatives
- Economic development
- Local decision-making
Coots continues, “Seeing the impact of change in our own backyard and how we can adapt to meet the needs of our customers is what makes me proud to be part of a publicly owned utility company.” Zeeland BPW invites community members to participate in Public Power Week through a variety of ways, one of which is a coloring contest that was held for our local 1st-4th-grade students in partnership with the Michigan Municipal Electric Association (MMEA). Zeeland BPW provided coloring sheets to area schools and public organizations, such as the library, and included downloadable files available on their website. “As a Public Power utility, we know it’s our duty to power our community…. By more than providing electricity. We are thrilled to encourage our young Zeelanders and support them in exploring their creativity,” said Boatright. “Pairing the contest with Public Power Week helps celebrate the individuals in our community who keep us powered, while also providing education to our area students.” Winners include: Grand Prize: Josie – Adams Elementary 1st Grade: William – Adams Elementary 2nd Grade: Kylee – Innocademy 3rd Grade: Vivian – Innocademy 4th Grade: Quinn – Adams Elementary 
