Michigan public power utility Zeeland Board of Public Works has welcomed Nick Lanting to the utility’s team this summer as a GIS intern, made possible through the American Public Power Association Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments Grant Program.
“As a proud APPA member, Zeeland BPW is grateful for the opportunity this grant creates, not just for the utility but for the next generation of professionals entering the field,” the utility said on June 16.
Lanting is a Geography major with a Sustainable Urban and Regional Planning emphasis at Grand Valley State University, where he is also pursuing a minor in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and plans to earn a remote sensing certificate. Heading into his senior year this fall, he brings both academic grounding and genuine enthusiasm for the work ahead, Zeeland BPW noted.
Lanting first came across the internship while browsing job listings on Indeed. “GIS is something which you can never really learn enough about,” Nick shared. He saw it as a chance to gain the kind of hands-on, professional experience that a classroom can only take you so far in building.
Under the direction of Brian Coots, the BPW’s Electric Transmission and Distribution Manager, Lanting will be helping verify equipment locations, update system mapping, and ensure the utility’s GIS data stays current and reliable.
Coots described why this work matters right now: “Accurate GIS data is a critical foundation for maintaining reliable utility services and supporting future infrastructure improvements. This work is especially important as we continue investing in technology that helps our crews quickly locate assets, plan projects more efficiently, and make informed operational decisions.”
This summer, he’s focused on understanding how GIS functions in a real-world utility setting, how data is managed at a professional level, and what it really looks like to do this work well day in and day out. Beyond the mapping work itself, Lanting will also help develop practical tools and processes that support field staff, giving his contributions staying power well beyond the summer.
When asked what excites him most about working at a community-owned public utility, Lanting pointed to the people and the purpose behind the work. He’s loved getting a front-row view of the different utility departments, their daily operations, and the ways they show up for the Zeeland community. He also noted that the team environment has stood out to him from the start. “I’ve seen what it takes to be a good team,” he reflected, and being part of that has been a highlight in itself.
“We’re excited to provide real-world experience while benefiting from the fresh perspective and skills he brings to the team,” Coots said. “Throughout the summer, Nick will not only contribute to our GIS and mapping initiatives but also help develop practical tools and processes that support our field staff.”
"Zeeland BPW is proud to support students like Nick through programs like APPA’s DEED Grant, and we look forward to sharing more about the work he’s doing throughout the season," the utility said.
APPA's DEED program funds research, pilot projects, and education to improve the operations and services of public power utilities.
For additional information about the DEED program go to APPA's website.
