Africa’s leading utility and energy professionals and projects are to be honoured at the annual African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa that is taking place in Cape Town from 13-14 May this year. Designed to celebrate the African triumphs and successes of the industry throughout 2013, the industry will be able to nominate candidates for nine award categories, ranging from Utility Executive of the Year to the Best Rural Electrification Project.

The awards evening, attended by some 500 leading executives from across the power, water, renewable energy, finance and investment spheres, is a long overdue addition to what is the largest utility gathering of its kind on the continent. African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa is attended by more than 5000 power and water professionals from more than 30 African countries and 70 worldwide.

African utility industry celebrating its heroes
“These are exciting and sometimes pioneering times for the utility industry and we feel honoured to be able to recognise utilities, utility leaders, companies and individuals who are making an enormous difference in the development of the energy landscape in Africa”, says Russell Hughes, African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa event director. He continues: ”this is the African utility industry celebrating its heroes and success stories. It is for the industry and by the industry. We invite all power professionals on the continent to send us their nominations and we look forward to sharing their triumphs with their peers. Together we will highlight those companies and executives who have been responsible for pioneering new frontiers, pushing boundaries, for inspiring others and for achieving growth for Africa.” 

The African Utility Week Awards categories include:
•    Best African IPP agreement
•    Most successful African off grid project
•    Successful policy implementation Award
•    Best Rural Electrification Project Award
•    Best Energy Efficient project/building/plant
•    Water Utility Award
•    Electricity Utility Award
•    Utility Executive of the Year
•    Lifetime achievement award

The Awards Judging Panel will comprise a top selection from the African Utility Week Advisory Board and have pan-African representation.  More information on the nomination process is available on the event website: www.african-utility-week.com
Industry support
Various sponsorship options are available for companies to get involved in the awards and improve their networking opportunities and raise their visibility within the industry.

South Africa’s utility Eskom recently announced that it will be the official host utility for the African Utility Week & Clean Power Africa conference and exhibition for the next five years. Global utility service providers Accenture and MarelliMotori have also already confirmed their platinum sponsorships for this year’s event.