The nationwide search for the most energy efficient South Africans to take part in the 2013 eta Awards has begun. The eta Awards seeks to reward exceptional, innovative and outstanding efforts by individuals, students, companies and other institutions in the efficient use of energy.

49M, the sponsors of two categories of the eta Awards, namely the Energy Savings in Households and Energy Efficiency Awareness categories for two years in a row, aims to honour exceptional South Africans who’ve made energy efficiency a priority in their daily lives.

The winner in each category could receive a cash amount of R30 000, and R5 000 goes to each of the runners up in each category.

The household category rewards those who have implemented creative and effective energy efficiency applications at home, thereby drastically reducing their energy consumption and costs.

The awareness category rewards those who have made a significant and visible impact in spreading the word on the importance of relieving the growing pressure on the electricity grid.

Calling for entries, 49M spokesperson Andrew Etzinger said it was humbling to see the commitment of South Africans to the energy cause, judging by the quality of entries in the previous years.

“For the past 23 years the Awards have exposed us to individuals and organisations that have done sterling work in terms of energy conservation. It is such initiatives that 49M calls for, and we encourage all South Africans to support the cause by taking part in initiatives such as the eta Awards. Last year’s entries raised the bar, and we hope to see entries of the same quality and innovation again this year ,” he said.
Entries for the eta Awards close on Thursday, 2 August 2013. South Africans who would like to participate can visit www.eta-awards.co.za for entry forms. The judging will take place on 3 October 2013.