Nominations are now open for the first round of the Global LEAP Outstanding Off-Grid Product Awards. The Global Lighting and Energy Access Partnership (Global LEAP) is an initiative under the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) focused on catalyzing markets to deliver increased access to modern energy services. The Awards program will recognize the highest quality, most efficient and affordable products designed for use by off-grid households and businesses. The Awards’ first round of competition covers six categories of affordable, super-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) room lighting appliances.

"The goal of the Global LEAP Awards is to identify the very best LED appliances for off-grid communities, as there is currently no way for customers to differentiate the quality products from the junk," said Global LEAP initiative lead Caroline McGregor. "When off-grid households start seeing the benefits of these products, and see that they’re affordable and reliable, then they’ll spread the word to their friends and neighbors. That increased demand will attract industry and bring the economies of scale that drive down prices, making energy and its benefits more accessible to a wider segment of the population." 

Winning products will be recognized at an international Clean Energy Ministerial ceremony in 2014. Winners and Finalists will also be featured in a widely distributed Outstanding Off-Grid Products procurement guide for bulk purchasers like national and international governments, wholesale distributors, and social enterprises. 

Manufacturers of eligible products can find more information and nominate their products at http://www.GlobalLEAPAwards.org 

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