Power Player Awards Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 2024 Submissions 2024 Finalists and Winners Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What are the Power Player Awards? The Power Player Awards, organized by SEPA (Smart Electric Power Alliance), celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals, utilities, corporations, regulators, policymakers, and other energy stakeholders who have significantly advanced the transition towards a carbon-free energy system. This initiative is designed to spotlight those who have introduced actionable solutions in SEPA’s five focus areas: Resilience, Transportation, Energy Storage, Emerging Technology, and Policy, with an added emphasis on Energy Equity. When can I submit nominations for the Power Player Awards? Nominations for the Power Player Awards opened on January 29th and will close on March 4th. The judging panel will review submissions, and finalists will be contacted with further instructions in late March. Who can be nominated for the Power Player Awards? Nominations are welcome from utilities, corporations, regulators, policymakers, project teams and individuals, who have played a pivotal role in driving forward solutions that contribute to a carbon-free energy system. How do I submit a nomination? Nominations can be submitted via this nomination form, also available on the Power Player Awards section of the SEPA website and through dedicated emails about the Power Player Awards. We’ll ask you to complete a series of questions in the form, including questions about how or why the nominee demonstrated innovation, how the project or program could be replicated by others, the current status of the project or program, and any challenges encountered, among others. What criteria are used to select the winners? The awards will be judged based on Innovation, Collaboration, and Replicability/Scalability. We are looking for projects and initiatives from the period of January 1 to December 31, 2023, that not only offer innovative solutions but also exemplify teamwork and have the potential for a wider impact. For individual Power Player nominations, specific criteria will be detailed on the nomination form. How will I know if my project is suitable for an award? The nomination form provides detailed descriptions and examples for each award category to help you determine the best fit for your project. You are encouraged to nominate your project or a peer for multiple categories if applicable. Where and when will the award ceremony be held? The Power Player Awards ceremony will take place on April 30th in Coronado, California. Winners must have an executive representative or the individual awardee present to accept the award. More event details to follow. How many finalists will be selected for each award category? Each category will have one winner and two finalists. What benefits do winners receive? Winners will be recognized at the Power Player Awards Ceremony, and their achievements will be highlighted in a press release, on the SEPA website, and across various social media platforms. Additionally, there will be opportunities for further promotion and spotlighting throughout the year. Do I have to be a member of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) to receive an award? No SEPA encourages all utilities and industry partners to apply and showcase their transformative efforts within the energy industry transforming work. When will the winners be notified? Winners will be notified by late March. A general announcement will be made at the beginning of April. I participated in a great project a few years ago, can I nominate it? Although we commend your exceptional work, the project must be finalized within the calendar year of 2023 to meet the qualification criteria Who is requested to receive the actual award at the ceremony? We request that award recipients hold an executive or other high-ranking position. Additionally, we encourage those integral to the project’s success to attend. Can we nominate ourselves? Absolutely! We encourage it and hope you do.