2025 Innovation Awards
The Innovation Awards will be presented at Smart Energy Decisions Forum Fall on September 17, 2025 at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
For more information, please read our Innovation Awards Page.
Nominations must be submitted by June 20, 2025.
___________________________________________
INNOVATION AWARD CATEGORIES
Energy Data Management
Implementation of a building/plant system or project (EMIS, BMIS, AI, etc.) by a large electric power user (buyer) to monitor, manage, and reduce energy demand by identifying savings opportunities, supporting compliance/reporting, or enabling smarter energy and sustainability strategies.
Energy Efficiency Technology
An individual energy efficiency project installed by a large electric power user (buyer) that leverages a technology or solution to reduce energy demand while maintaining or improving operational performance.
Energy Storage and Microgrids
Implementation of an onsite energy storage, microgrid or related infrastructure project by a large electric power user (buyer) that enhances energy resilience and reliability by providing backup power, supporting grid stability, integrating renewables, and enabling critical operations during outages or grid disruptions.
EV Charging Infrastructure & Fleet Management
Deployment of initiatives or programs by a large electric power user (buyer) that provides access to EV charging or supports fleet electrification and management to optimize fleet performance, logistics, and emissions reduction.
Offsite Renewable Energy
An offsite renewable energy project by a large electric power user (buyer) that demonstrates impactful procurement or development of renewable energy generated offsite, such as through virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), utility-scale wind/solar contracts, or green tariffs.
Onsite Renewable Energy
Onsite behind-the-meter implementation by a large electric power user (buyer) of any form of renewable energy demonstrating deployment of renewable energy systems located at or near the point of use, such as rooftop solar, solar carports, small wind, bioenergy systems and CHP systems using renewable fuels.
Electrification of Thermal Loads
Projects or strategies by a large electric power users (buyer) that replace fossil fuel-based thermal energy (e.g., for heating, industrial processes, or hot water) with clean electricity and demonstrate technical excellence, emissions reduction, and scalable approaches to decarbonizing thermal energy use.
Water/Energy Management
Integrated strategies or initiatives by a large electric power users (buyer) that address the interconnection between water and energy use, improving efficiency, reducing resource intensity and energy consumption, and promoting sustainability.
Circularity
Strategies and initiatives by a large electric power users (buyer) that embrace circular economy principles in product design, materials recovery, or closed-loop systems that significantly reduce resource extraction, energy use, and emissions.
Supply Chain
Implementation of an initiative by a large electric power users (buyer) that reduces energy impact and improves sustainability across the value chain by engaging suppliers in decarbonization, energy efficiency, responsible sourcing, or emissions tracking to drive systemic change beyond an energy customer’s direct operations.
___________________________________________
ELIGIBILITY
- Projects and programs in service prior to 2025 are eligible for awards.
- Nominations may be submitted by large electric power users (buyer) on their own behalf or by suppliers or other industry affiliates or partners on behalf of a buyer with the buyer’s permission.
- Each project or program may only be nominated once. You may nominate multiple projects or programs in a single category. Please note that you must complete a separate form for each nomination.
- Each project or initiative may only be submitted in a single award category.
- By submitting a nomination, you agree that all submitted materials become the property of Smart Energy Decisions and may be used or publicized at their discretion.
___________________________________________
If you have questions, please contact:
sedawards@smartenergydecisions.com.