BOULDER, CO — (Marketwired) — 09/20/13 — At the recent 26th Annual E Source Forum in Denver, Colorado, E Source announced the winners of the 2013 Utility Ad Awards Contest. Top honors went to Reliant, Pepco Holdings Inc., and PECO for first, second, and third place, respectively, in the category of Best Overall Campaign. The ad contest was open to US and Canadian electric and gas utilities.
An independent group of judges selected the winners based on message, creativity, results, call to action or brand connection, and overall impression. Judges included Mindy Cheval, University of Colorado at Boulder, School of Journalism and Mass Communication; Matt Bodien, Egg Strategy; Lucia Riley, SAS Institute; Rebecca Dickenson, The Chronicle & Duke Magazine; Brett Schklar, MCG Marketing; and Kathryn Yeager, Cadient Group.
“We received over 600 submissions this year, a record number of entries. Utilities know they have to be innovative to get the attention of their residential and business customers, and it was great to see some of the new tactics that are being used. We–re seeing many more interactive ads, placements on websites like Pandora, and outdoor advertisements that create buzz in the community. It–s great that utilities are not only using humor and creativity to get their messages across but are also targeting and segmenting customers so effectively,” says Kym Wootton, senior manager of Marketing & Communications at E Source. “Our judges were particularly impressed by the ads that increased brand awareness, website traffic, and program participation.”
1. Reliant
2. Pepco Holdings Inc.
3. PECO
1. Reliant
2. San Diego Gas & Electric
1. AEP Ohio
2. Oklahoma Gas & Electric Services
1. FortisBC
2. SaskPower
1. PPL Electric Utilities
2. SRP
1. Commonwealth Edison Company
2. Xcel Energy
1. Southern California Gas Company
2. National Grid
Additionally, Nicor Gas won the “Crowd Pleaser” award, which was based on peer recognition. Facebook users voted by “liking” their favorite print advertisement on the .
The winning ads were honored at a special awards luncheon held during the 26th Annual E Source Forum. The ads can be viewed at . Photos from the awards luncheon can be found on the .
For 25 years, E Source has been providing unbiased, objective research and advisory services to over 300 utilities and large energy users. Our energy experts have answered more than 8,000 questions over the past 3 years. This guidance helps our customers advance their efficiency programs, enhance customer relationships, and use energy more efficiently.
Kym Wootton
Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications
E Source
303-345-9168