New Service Connections

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

Holland BPW maintains 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.

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.

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.

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

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