Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in Rss
Newsletter
SED Forum Summer
SED Forum Fall

2025 Innovation Awards

Celebrating innovation and progress in energy procurement and management.

sed_inovation_awards_logo_4c (1)

The Smart Energy Decisions Innovation Awards recognize exemplary use and implementation of innovative technologies and progressive practices among large electric power users, that reflect new approaches to energy procurement and management.

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.
NOMINATE

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.
NOMINATE

Energy Storage & 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.
NOMINATE

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.
NOMINATE

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.
NOMINATE

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.
NOMINATE

Electrification of Thermal Loads

Projects or strategies by a large electric power user (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.
NOMINATE

Water/Energy Management

Integrated strategies or initiatives by a large electric power user (buyer) that address the interconnection between water and energy use, improving efficiency, reducing resource intensity and energy consumption, and promoting sustainability.
NOMINATE

Circularity

Strategies and initiatives by a large electric power user (buyer) that embrace circular economy principles in product design, materials recovery, or closed-loop systems that significantly reduce resource extraction, energy use, and emissions.
NOMINATE

Supply Chain

Implementation of an initiative by a large electric power user (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.
NOMINATE

Sustainability Stewardship

Programs and initiatives by individuals or groups at large electric power user (buyer) that effectively engage stakeholders, educate employees or the public on energy and environmental topics through internal or external communications, training, and mentorship to foster the next generation of clean energy and sustainability leaders.
NOMINATE

Community Impact

Programs, projects, or partnerships by large electric power user (buyer) that deliver measurable benefits to local communities while advancing sustainability or clean energy goals and create lasting social, economic, or environmental improvements.
NOMINATE

All nominations are due by June 20, 2025.

Nominations may be submitted by large electric power users (buyers) on their own behalf or by suppliers, utilities, or industry-affiliated organizations on behalf of a buyer with that buyer’s permission.

Awards are given to individuals, teams, or departments at large electric power users (buyers). Please note that suppliers/solution providers are not eligible to receive awards. However, we encourage them to nominate their buyer partners from eligible organizations.

Submit your nominations

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.

Interested in meeting our award winners? 

join us in-person
  • Projects and programs in service prior to 2025 are eligible for awards.
  • Nominations may be submitted by large electric power users (buyers) on their own behalf or by suppliers or other industry affiliates or partners on behalf of a customer with the customer’s permission.
  • Suppliers/solution providers are not eligible to receive awards. However, we encourage them to nominate their buyer partners from eligible organizations.
  • 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.
  • There are no entry fees for Smart Energy Decisions’ Innovation Awards. Our sole focus is to provide recognition for a job well done and to advance industry best practices.
  • A panel of experts with extensive industry experience will judge the award nominations. The judges will evaluate nominations on the objectives of the project or program; how the project or program was executed; innovation; and results of the project or program against the objectives.

ELIGIBILITY & FINE PRINT

Winners receive

  • Promotion of their award in Smart Energy Decisions.
  • Presentation of their award at the SED Forum Fall, taking place September 16 – 18, 2025 at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
  • Recognition of the company, efforts, and team responsible for the project or program.
  • All winners and nominees may be eligible for the opportunity to work with Smart Energy Decisions on a case study to amplify their project. 

Questions?

Thank you to our judges

Peter Kelly-Detweiler

Title, Company

Peter Kelly-Detweiler

Title, Company

Peter Kelly-Detweiler

Title, Company

Privacy Policy | DSAR Requests / Do Not Sell My Personal Info | Terms of Use | Locations | Events, Products & Services
© Diversified Communications. All rights reserved.