$10,000 Awarded to Winning Video on How to Conserve Energy

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartPower launched a new online video ad contest today to promote its national marketing campaign on energy efficiency. The SmartPower Energy Smart Online Ad Challenge uses new media and online social networking to promote conservation and energy efficiency. Anyone can participate by submitting a 30 second public service announcement to SmartPower through www.smartpower.org/adchallenge.php and www.youtube.com/group/energysmart.

"Our YouTube online ad contest is not only an opportunity to win a $10,000 grand prize and be featured on national television," said SmartPower president Brian F. Keane. "It is also a fun way to educate Americans about how to save energy, save money, protect the planet and promote national security."

The goal of the contest is for the general public to create videos that show how energy efficiency helps Americans save money. SmartPower provides helpful facts on how to conserve energy on its website. These Energy Smart tips are simple and inexpensive ways people can conserve energy and reduce utility and fuel costs. Contestants are required to reference the SmartPower website and logo as well as the Energy Smart tips in their submissions.

Though open to everyone, SmartPower's Energy Smart Ad Challenge is designed to target young adults and teenagers. SmartPower's award winning research has revealed that young people are the key when it comes to changing the culture of energy use and energy conservation. They have the power and the willingness to reduce consumption, influence their peers and parents and contribute to a safer and more sustainable future.

SmartPower Launches New Brand and Website (www.smartpower.org)

The SmartPower Energy Smart Online Ad Challenge coincides with the organization's recent decision to expand its mission beyond promoting and marketing clean, renewable energy to include energy efficiency. In addition to helping consumers choose clean energy sources, SmartPower wants to educate Americans about ways they can conserve energy in their day-to-day lives. SmartPower has designed a new user friendly website and has adopted 'Let's Get Energy Smart' as its new tagline.

SmartPower is accepting submissions for the Energy Smart Ad Challenge through Earth Day, April 22, 2009. For detailed information on the contest, including rules, criteria for judging and submission procedures, please visit www.smartpower.org/adchallenge.php.

About SmartPower

SmartPower is a national, nonprofit marketing organization committed to promoting clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency. SmartPower's mission is to build the clean energy marketplace by helping the American public become smarter about their energy use. In under a decade, SmartPower's award-winning marketing campaigns have been credited with creating unprecedented demand for wind, solar and hydropower. Today, SmartPower has become known as the nationwide "Got Milk" organization on clean energy. www.smartpower.org