ATLANTA - March 4, 2010 - Many utilities realize that they are going to have to find ways to educate their customers about their smart grid initiatives to maximize buy-in and mitigate misinformation, especially when it comes to consumer-facing technologies and programs.

 

While the emergence of smart grid is relatively new, several utilities have projects underway and have already launched customer outreach programs. Chartwell wants to recognize a utility that has already begun a successful smart grid education initiative and can share positive results. The deadline to submit an award entry is March 24.

 

Utilities with customer-facing smart grid technologies that have initiated some form of education and outreach program should submit entries for this award. Programs can pertain to the implementation of the following technologies:

·         smart meters;

·         in-home energy displays;

·         smart thermostats;

·         consumer energy management and presentation software (online energy displays);

·         smart appliances; and

·         innovative time-based rate structures.

 

1.       Evaluation of customer knowledge and recognition of obstacles;

2.       Formation and execution of an educational/outreach plan; and

3.       Progress and results.

 

The winning organization will be announced at Chartwell’s Smart Grid Customer Education Summit, April 29 2010, in Chicago, Ill. Winners will be asked to make a presentation of their award-winning initiative during the Summit; however it’s not a requirement. In addition, the winner will be recognized in future Chartwell publications. Chartwell also will work with the winning utility’s communications staff on releasing news of the award to local news outlets and industry media.

 

1. A completed cover sheet that contains relevant contact information. (If an entry is submitted by a vendor or consultant, it must be with the utility’s permission and list a contact at the utility.) There is no required entry form for this award. However, the entries should include the following for all involved parties:

·         Utility

·         Contact at Utility

·         Title

·         Email

·         Telephone

·         Address

·         City

·         State

·         Zip code

 

2. A description of the project, program or effort (please keep to a 1,800-word maximum) detailing the following information as applicable:

·         A history of the effort.

·         Details about the effort, including the formation and execution of the effort;

·         Goals and measureable progress; and

·         The reason it should win the Award.

 

3. (Optional) Any supporting materials, including marketing materials, media pieces, Web links, etc.

 

All email entries, including all required information, should be sent to Mark Hall at mhall@chartwellinc.com

 

Via mail, entries should be sent to

 

Mark Hall

Chartwell Inc.

2970 Peachtree Rd. NW

Suite 250

Atlanta, GA 30305

 

All award entries will become the property of Chartwell Inc. and will be circulated at Chartwell’s Smart Grid Customer Education Summit, April 28.

 

For more information, contact Mark Hall at Chartwell Inc. at mhall@chartwellinc.com or 404-237-9099.