Zeeland Board of Public Works Adds 2.9 MW to its Renewable Energy Portfolio

Zeeland, MI—The Zeeland Board of Public Works (BPW), through partnership with the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), has added 2.9 MW to its sustainable energy portfolio, enough to power about 700 homes annually. This increase comes as Brandt Woods Solar, a solar array in Calhoun County, entered into commercial operation in March. The project was developed by AES, a leading renewable energy developer and global energy company.

“The BPW has partnered with MPPA on renewable energy projects for over a decade and we are excited to begin receiving energy from this project” said Robert Mulder, Power Supply & Market Operations Manager for the BPW. The project is projected to supply a little over 1% of the BPW’s annual energy requirements during the 20-year term. “Although a small portion of our portfolio it provides added diversification and renewable energy that we need” Mulder continued. In addition to two wind projects, this is the fourth Michigan-based solar project the BPW has under contract, with two more being constructed and scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2026. The BPW remains committed to delivering reliable electric service to their customers at competitive rates and will continue to pursue opportunities like this when they are a good fit. The ability to partner with fellow municipal members through MPPA is not only a good story for Public Power but provides opportunities to participate in large projects realizing economies of scale that individually might not be possible.

Zeeland BPW, along with 12 other public power utility providers across the state, purchased a combined 25 MW power agreement through MPPA. This project has been on the horizon for the BPW since 2021 when they signed on for the project. The project reached commercial operation on March 19, 2025.

“Brandt Woods Solar is another example of MPPA members making long-term commitments to get new renewable resources built in Michigan,” said Patrick Bowland, CEO & general manager of MPPA. “We appreciate the efforts of AES in bringing this impressive project to commercial operation.”

Michigan has aggressive renewable energy standards established under recently passed clean energy legislation, and utilities across the state have been making adjustments to meet or exceed these standards. Through layering multiple, shared investments such as Brandt Woods Solar, MPPA works with utility providers like Zeeland BPW to build resources to meet those goals.

About Zeeland Board of Public Works

The Zeeland Board of Public Works (BPW) is a municipally owned and operated electric and water utility serving the City of Zeeland and its neighboring communities. The City began providing electric and water utility services in 1902, and in 1935 began supplying electricity using its own generation and distribution system. The BPW presently serves 3,100 water and 7,000 electric customers, has an annual energy requirement of 450,000 MWh, and a summer peak load of nearly 90 MW. More information can be found on the BPW’s website: https://zeelandbpw.com/

About MPPA

Founded in 1978, Michigan Public Power Agency is a municipal power joint action agency. MPPA was formed to undertake the planning, financing, development, acquisition, construction, improvement, operation, and maintenance of energy projects to share supply and related services to lower cost, reduce risk, and leverage expertise for the benefit of its Public Power Utility Members. More at https://mpower.org.