City starts Smart Grid Initiative Video Contest

Residents Invited to Help Showcase How the Initiative will Benefit the Community

The City of Naperville is excited to announce a video contest for residents and any other interested parties to help highlight and promote the benefits of the Naperville Smart Grid Initiative (NSGI). Entries are being accepted through Wednesday, February, 1, 2012.

Videos received will help the city educate utility customers about the NSGI, which gives customers more choices and options in how they manage their energy use. Entrants will focus on one or all of the 4Es of the NSGI: Energy, Environment, Education and Economy. These four key areas summarize the lasting, positive effects of the NSGI:

• Energy: The NSGI allows customers to make smarter, more efficient choices about how they use energy.

• Environment: The NSGI is paving the way for a cleaner environment and the electric vehicle.

• Education: The NSGI provides more choices and options for customers in how they manage their energy. The NSGI will give Naperville-area students at all levels a practical tool to learn about energy consumption and conservation and gain firsthand experience on emerging technologies and future careers.

• Economy: The City's municipal utility already attracts businesses with its low rates and reliable service. The NSGI provides customers with tools to potentially save money, and the project is spurring job creation locally as well as nationally, helping grow our local economy.

People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to submit a 30-second video that addresses one of the 4Es. Entrants may complete up to four videos, each up to 30 seconds in length that addresses the 4Es separately. One video per category will be accepted from each entrant. Entries may be submitted digitally in .wmv, .mov, .avi, .mpg and .flv formats at ftp.naperville.il.us/public/NSGI. Videos may also be submitted in DVD format via mail or in person to Nadja Lalvani, Community Relations Manager, Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL 60540.

All entries are due by Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at 5 p.m.

From February 8-20, 2012, members of the public are invited to view and vote for their favorite videos at www.naperville.il.us/smartgrid.aspx. Mayor A. George Pradel and City Council members will select a winning video in each category from the top five videos in each group that receive the most online votes. Winners will be publicly recognized at a future City Council meeting.

For more information on the Naperville Smart Grid Initiative and video contest, including complete contest rules, visit www.naperville.il.us/smartgrid.aspx. Sign up to receive the latest news on the Naperville Smart Grid Initiative via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx. For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us.