Holland–School is in session for anyone in Holland whose goal is to learn more about energy.

The Holland Board of Public Works General Manager Loren Howard unveiled to the city council Wednesday a plan to provide educational opportunities for the community regarding energy.

Power for the 21st Century, nicknamed P21, kicks off today. It will start with advertisements about and invitations to events meant to educate those interested in where energy comes from and how it works. The BPW plans to offer information on websites and will also use popular social media including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

“It isn’t about decision-making, it’s about education,” Howard said.

Some members of city council thought launching the P21 program now could cause information overload for the energy layman because the Community Energy Plan from Garforth International is scheduled to be released.

“I’m comfortable with this,” Councilman Todd Whiteman said. “The clock is ticking,” on making energy decisions….

“Most of what I’ve seen has been positive, and that’s been encouraging,” said Business Services Director Dan Nally.

Monday, the BPW Board of Directors approved a 111-day extension of the land lease in Allegan County at a cost of $105,406.

It also hired Jackson-based Commonwealth Associates Inc., at a cost of $40,400, to analyze the cost and effect of interconnecting a wind farm in Allegan County to BPW’s electrical transmission system.

“Obviously, we’re optimistic that it’s going to be good because we’re investing more money,” Nally said.

In October, the BPW installed meteorological towers to measure wind speed and direction as well as humidity, Nally said. The extension of the land lease will allow BPW to gather more data to bring to its board and the Holland City Council in the future….