Understanding My Utility Bill      |      MyHBPW Account Portal FAQ's      |      Sign Up for Notifications      |      Sign Up for Paperless Billing 

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Understanding My Utility Bill 

Definitions of the terms used on your Holland BPW bill.

 - FRONT PAGE -

1. Due Date - The date your bill must be paid before any penalties are added.
   
   
2. Messages - This area includes information of Holland BPW services and activities the HBPW participates in.
   
   
3. Account Details - This area includes information specific to your individual account.
   
   
   

   - BACK PAGE -

4. Energy Charge - The electric current that is generated, produced and provided to you.
   
   
5. Rate EAR - Electric Residential Rate A
   
   
6. Delivery Charge - The cost of transmission and distribution which moves electricity from the power plant to local substations, and to your point of service. Electricity leaves the transmission lines at the substation where transformers reduce the voltage. Electricity then travels through distributions lines on poles or underground to neighborhoods. Finally, electricity passes through a meter to measure use in kilowatt-hour units that appear on your electric bill.
   
   
7. Readiness to Serve Charge - A monthly fixed charge that covers the expenses to maintain and service a customer’s account.  This includes billing, metering and customer service.  The Readiness to Serve charge also funds a portion of the capital investments in equipment, structures and meters as well as engineering and construction services.
   
   
8.    Energy Optimization Charge - In 2008, the State of Michigan passed PA 295, directing electric providers to establish energy optimization plans and programs. This charge, as mandated, covers the cost of energy-efficiency programs.
   
   
9. Billing Days - The period of time for which your usage is being billed.
   
   
10. kWh - Stands for kilowatt-hour. One kWh is a measure of production. For example, a 1,000 watt window unit air conditioner turned on for 1 hour will use 1 kWh (1,000 watts x 1 hour).
    
    
11. Usage History Graphs - Display of your previous usage electric and water/wastewater for the past 13 months.
    
    
12. Meter Readings - Shows what the meter reading was for the Service Period for the present and previous dates.
    
    
13. CCF - Hundred Cubic Feet. The unit of measure for billing water and wastewater. One Hundred Cubic Feet equals 748 Gallons.

  pdf Understanding Your Utility Bill(571 KB)

 

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MyHBPW Account Portal FAQ's

What is MyHBPW?

MyHBPW is a secure customer account access portal that provides a simple way to manage your Holland Board of Public Works accounts.

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How do I get to MyHBPW?

Access your customer account online at myportal.hollandbpw.com.

OR, download the app by searching MyHBPW in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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How do I register for MyHBPW?

In this video, you will learn how to register for the MyHBPW customer portal.

Register Online

• Register  HERE.

To register, you need:

1. Account Number - Found at the top left corner of your bill. Enter your account number exactly as it is shown on your bill.
2. Service Zip Code - Service Zip Code is the Zip Code where service is being provided.
3. Email Address - Use your primary email address. You will receive your account activation link to the email address that you use.

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I already pay my HBPW bill online. Why should I register for MyHBPW?

MyHBPW is a new and improved online customer account service and mobile application. We will soon be discontinuing the previous service.

With the new customer portal, you will be able to access the following, all in one platform:

• View and pay your utility bill from you mobile device.
• Receive real-time notifications when an outage occurs.
• Connect with customer support for service requests.
• Monitor usage and compare to previous time periods to identify trends.
• And more!

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How do I sign up for notifications from Holland BPW?

Setting notification preferences lets us know how and when you want to hear from us. Holland BPW offers a number of convenient ways to receive information from us. You can customize the type of notifications and how you would like to receive them in the MyHBPW customer portal. 

In this video, you will learn how to set notification preferences in MyHBPW.

Variety of ways you can hear from us:

• Text message
• Email
• Push Notifications

Types of notifications available:

• Outages
• High usage alerts
• Billing
• Helpful tips and information about our programs

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How do I sign up for paperless billing or make changes to my billing preferences from Holland BPW?

You can choose how to recieve your utility bill from Holland BPW.

• Paperless billing is good for the environment and delivered conveniently to your email inbox.
• Paper bills are mailed to your address.

 

How do I reset my password for MyHBPW?

You can reset your password, retrieve your user name from the login box for MyHBPW - https://myportal.hollandbpw.com/.

 

Do I need to be logged in and registered with MyHBPW to pay my bill online?

No, you do not need to have a MyHBPW account or to be logged in to pay your Holland BPW bill online - Make a One Time Payment.

Holland Board of Public Works's Electrical Engineering Department and Water/Wastewater Engineering Department are available to support your construction project. Please contact us as early as possible during the planning of your project. Applications are required for new services.

Apply for New Electric or Service Upgrade

Apply for New Water & Wastewater Service

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New Construction & Service Upgrade Guidelines

Electric Service     |     Water & Wastewater Service

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Electric Service

Our staff provides services to customers, contractors and field crews including assistance and planning for the installation of electric service to homes, commercial and industrial facilities, and community infrastructure. We ensure projects meet the requirements of the National Electric Safety Code and any applicable city ordinances. Our Electrical Engineering Department is here to answer your questions and assist with your project.

All new and upgraded electric services must be underground and have the meter location approved by Holland BPW.

Start the process by filling out an application for new electrical service.

Our Electrical Services team will support you through the duration of your project. Contact us during regular business Hours, 7:30a - 4:00p. 

616.355.1603

• pdf Fee Schedule(294 KB)

 

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Choose Holland BPW to be your electric service provider for proven reliability and competitive rates.

 

RP3 Diamond Reliability

Awarded by the American Public Power Association, RP3 (Reliable Public Power Provider) is a designation showcasing a utility’s dedication to operating an efficient, safe, and reliable distribution system. Utilities are required to reapply every three years to maintain their status.

Currently, 254 of the nation’s more than 2,000 public power utilities hold an RP3 designation, with only around 100 achieving the highest rating - diamond status. The HBPW has maintained diamond status since 2010, putting us with the most reliable in the nation.

How We Measure Reliability

SAIFI and SAIDI are two of the indices used to measure distribution system reliability. These indices account for the frequency, duration and number of customers affected in outages.

• SAIFI - System Average Interruption Frequency Index is the average number of sustained interruptions per consumer during the year. It is the ratio of the annual number of interruptions to the number of customers.
• SAIDI - System Average Interruption Duration Index is the ratio of the average duration of interruptions (sustained) to the number of customers.

Competitive Rates

HBPW is able to maintain rates lower than neighboring utilities because of conservative business practices and smart investments. By investing in smart meter and smart grid technology, developing disaster management plans, and preparing for future technological developments, we can ensure reliable power at competitive rates for all our customers. See our rates insert to understand how we compare on residential and commercial rates to other Michigan utilities.

 

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Water & Wastewater Service

To begin your connection process, please contact our Water/Wastewater Service Department to connect to the public water or wastewater systems. The process begins by determining if there is public water or sewer in your area.

Contact us during regular business hours, 7:30am-4:00pm. 616.355.1643

HBPW requires an application for all new water and wastewater connections. This allows us to contact you in the future for important issues such as a boil water advisory or water outage due to construction or other necessary maintenance. 

If your property is one of the surrounding townships we serve: you will be directed to contact that township for assessments, service taps and inspections. 

If your property is within the Holland City limits:

• Holland BPW staff will perform a record search on the property to see if there are any unpaid assessments or trunkages (assessment and trunkage fees are adjusted annually in December based on the Construction Cost Index). These fees pay for the system to be expanded to meet future capacity and for the first time installation of infrastructure including, but not limited to pipes and pumps.

  • pdf Fee Schedule(294 KB)

• HBPW will assist you in determining what size water meter you may need. 
  • Single Family Homes: Most single family homes have a 5/8 inch diameter, and even some larger homes can be accommodated by this. If you choose to use city water for external landscape irrigation, you will likely require a larger water meter. There are increasing monthly fees based on the size of the meter to account for readiness to serve. 
  • You should hire a licensed plumber to install your plumbing from the home to the public main. If you are working in the public Right of Way, you or your contractor will need get a 'Street Cut' permit from the City Transportation Service Department by calling 616.928.2430. They will require that you be bonded and insured for such work. The Holland Board of Public Works is responsible for making the connection (tap) to the public main. We do not allow contractors or plumbers to do this work to ensure the work is done consistently and to protect the integrity of the overall system.
  • HBPW charges a fee for the water service tap based on the size of the water service pipe. The minimum service size is one inch for water services and four inch for sanitary sewer services.
  • For services over two inches, a site plan review will be required.

    •   pdf Minimum Plan Review Requirements(187 KB)

  • HBPW also has requirements for Fire Protection Services to protect the public drinking water supply.

    •   pdf Minimum Fire Protection Requirements(496 KB)

  • HBPW does require an inspection of the water service before it is buried and remember, all applicable building permits must be obtained.

HBPW will install the water meter after all assessments are paid or scheduled with a payment arrangement. All other fees will be billed out. Once complete, the valve outside the building that is near the property line will be opened and water will be fed into the new building. 

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In the News!

WZZM 13 - Voters choose to support Holland Broadband proposal

BY 13 ON YOUR SIDE STAFF

 

News Channel 3 - Holland fiber internet proposal brings customers options, competition for cable companies

BY TRISHA MCCAULEY

 

Holland Sentinel - Comcast spends $100K fighting Holland's citywide fiber proposal

BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

MiBiz - Holland voters to decide broadband internet bond proposal

BY ANDY BALASKOVITZ

 

News Channel 3 - Holland voters to decide on fiber internet service in Aug. 2 election

BY LEXIE PETROVIC

 

Fox 17 - Holland City looks to make internet another utility for customers

BY MATT WITKOS

 

WHTC - Expanded high speed internet on the ballot in the City of Holland August 2

BY KEN DELANEY

 

WZZM - Holland voters to decide if city will have its own high-speed internet network

BY NATE BELT

 

Wood TV 8 - Holland voters to decide on building fiber internet network

BY WHITNEY BURNEY

 

Connect, Lakeshore Edition, Page 14 - Holland Board of Public Works’ Community-Based Broadband Plan: A Referendum on Innovation

BY D.C. BEATTIE

 

Holland Sentinel - Ottawa County may harness power of the sun to turn sewer sludge into fertilizer

BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

Holland Sentinel - Power providers prepare for summer strain on energy system

BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

Holland Sentinel - Here is where roadwork is underway this summer

BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

Connect Magazine - May 2022

Feature: Holland BPW - page 4, BY JULIE A. DECOOK, EDITED BY CHELSEA SCOTT
The Future is Fiber…HBPW’s Broadband Plan: Innovation for All? - page 8, BY D.C. BEATTIE

 

Holland Sentinel - Holland is taking its public fiber to voters. How much could it cost?

BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

Holland Sentinel - Holland, Fillmore pitch friendly annexation, water deal

BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

WHTC - Holland BPW is recognized for reliability

BY DAN EVANS

 

WZZM - Major road projects underway and upcoming along lakeshore

BY GARY STEVENS

 

13 On Your Side - Holland residents could decide on city-provided Wi-Fi initiative in August

BY KEELY LOVERN

 

Holland Sentinel - What we know so far about Holland City Fiber

BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

Holland Sentinel - Holland's $8.8M in COVID relief may pay for fiber, firefighters

BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

Holland Sentinel - BPW pitches plan to offer high-speed internet to every home in Holland

BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

WHTC - Holland voters may decide on proposed broadband expansion initiative

BY GARY STEVENS

 

MiBiz - Holland-based Volta Power Systems leverages need for advanced energy solutions

BY JAYSON BUSSA

 

Holland Sentinel - Powering LG: HBPW making plans to meet electric needs of battery maker

BY CAROLYIN MUYSKENS

 

Holland Sentinel - MiSustainable Holland: Holland event to highlight sustainable business innovation

BY ROSE SPICKLER

 

FOX 17 - Holland staying busy as 'transformational projects' take shape

BY MATT WITKOS

 

Holland Sentinel - HBPW to issue bonds to build new water main

BY CAROLYIN MUYSKENS

 

Fox 17 - Learn how Downtown Holland's Snowmelt System keeps sidewalks and roads clear during winter

BY LINDSAY HOFFMAN

 

Fox 17 - Downtown Holland reveals line up for 2021 Parade of Lights

BY FOX 17

 

Holland Sentinel - MiSustainable Holland: Get ready for the holidays with LED string lights

BY EMILY DAMASKA

 

Holland Sentinel - MiSustainable Holland: Fall leaves are sustainable resource in Holland

BY MARIANNE MANDERFIELD

 

michigan.gov - Governor Whitmer announces agribusiness expansion bringing nearly 200 jobs to Holland, placemaking projects around the state

 

Holland Sentinel - Local Homeowners, Utility Companies Talk Going Solar at Home 

BY CASSANDRA LYBRINK

 

Holland Sentinel - Holland Celebrates Energy Efficiency Day with Continuing Efforts

BY ANDREW REYNOLDS

 

Holland Sentinel - Locals Discuss Drive, Barriers to Going Electric Along the Lakeshore

BY CASSANDRA LYBRINK

 

Holland Sentinel - Task Force Proposes More Aggressive Energy Goals for Holland

BY CAROLYIN MUYSKENS

 

Holland Sentinel - Shift by Holland, Zeeland means more solar energy for customers

BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS 

 

The Lakeshore West Michigan - Investment in Holland Energy Park paying off for city, residents

BY SHANDRA MARTINEZ 

 

Holland Sentinel - Holland Board of Public Works to retire power plant debt early

 BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS 

 

 

Holland Sentinel - Living Sustainably: Renewable Energy Rate provides options for homeowners

 BY JULIE DECOOK

 

Holland Sentinel - Council to hear broadband project update Wednesday

 BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

Holland Sentinel - Council to hear broadband project update Wednesday

 BY SENTINEL STAFF

Holland Sentinel - Downed power lines cause brief power outage in Holland

 BY SENTINEL STAFF

 

Holland Sentinel - ‘Walk the talk’: City, BPW look to lead transition to electric vehicles

 BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

Holland Sentinel - MSU Bioeconomy Institute to host lecture on virus detection in wastewater

 BY SENTINEL STAFF

 

WHTC - Holland BPW Issues Scam Alert

 

Holland Sentinel - Living Sustainably: Electric vehicles provide efficiency

BY BARRY RUTHERFORD

 

Grand Valley Lanthorn - Smart brick inventor wins GV Innovator Award

BY OLIVIA FELLOWS

 

Holland Sentinel - My Take: Holland’s Community Energy Plan: On the road to the future

BY NATHAN BOCKS

 

Holland Sentinel - Hope continues preparations for fall classes

BY MITCHELL BOATMAN

 

Grand Rapids Business Journal - Hope College Connects with City

BY DANIELLE NELSON

 

Holland Sentinel - Bid awarded for $34M digester project

 BY CAROLYN MUYSKENS

 

Holland Sentinel - Living Sustainably: Energy efficiency, healthy environments create better living

BY KEN FREESTONE, HOLLAND RESIDENTIAL ENERGY ADVISOR

 

Holland Sentinel - My Take: Going Green Is the Right Thing To Do

BY JEFF RAYWOOD

 

American Public Power Association - Mich. public power utilities rally to help each other in wake of storms and outages

BY PAUL CIAMPOLI

  

WHTC - Holland BPW Urges "Don't Flush That!"

BY WHTC STAFF

 

Slate - The Way a City Handles Snow Says Everything About How It Treats Pedestrians

By AMY CRAWFORD

 

WHTC - State Grant to Michigan-Based AI Firm to Help Holland BPW

BY GARY STEVENS

 

WHTC News - Holland Board of Public Works Wins Premier Utility Management Performance (PUMP) Award

  

Modern Pumping Today - Opting for a Smarter Pumping Solution

BY MARK HEMEYER

 

Grand Haven Tribune - Lead, Copper Rule Presented During Forum

BY MEGHAN HAAS

   

MiBiz - Holland leads with energy financing program, but work remains

BY ANDY BALASKOVITZ