In the spirit of SmartPower’s YouTube Clean Energy Ad Challenge, today we’re excited to announce a whole new contest.  The SmartPower Energy Smart Ad Challenge is looking for the best 30 second commercial aimed at encouraging conusmers to be more energy efficient.

Like the Clean Energy Ad Challenge, this new contest carries with it a $10,000 grand prize–and a chance to be featured on national TV.  Entries will be accepted from now until Aprill 22, 2009 (Earth Day!) and should focus on ways to be “Energy Smart.”  Turning off the lights when you leave a room or turning down the heat during the day would be two ways to use less–but I’m willing to bet we are going to see some much more innovative and creative ideas.

SmartPower President Brian Keane said it’s not just about the grand prize.  “It’s also a fun way to educate American about how to save energy, save money, protect the planet and promote national security.”

Anyone can participate in the contest, it’s clear from the reasearch we’ve done here at SmartPower that young people are critical to target when it comes to changing the culture of energy use and conservation.   The SmartPower Energy Smart Online Ad Challenge fits into that strategy perfectly.

The YouTube contest page is here–you can expect some exciting, innovative ads to start showing up soon.  Let’s get energy Smart!