Celebrating the the very best in energy procurement, last night saw the inaugural launch of the Energy ‘Buying and Supplying’ Excellence Awards 2010. Organised by Edge Business Media the event was held at the magnificent Langham Hotel in Central London.

The awards recognised outstanding achievement in all three areas of energy procurement- buying, supply and consultancy. There were eight awards up for grabs with over 80 companies having entered. The prizes were determined by a combinations of public vote and judges decision.

Sumit Bose, editor of Energy Live News and host for the ceremony said: “So often overlooked, energy procurement is a complex and difficult task, even more so in today’s fast moving world of risk and price fluctuations. Good procurement relies on great knowledge, great communication and teamwork- all of which will be celebrated tonight.”

On receiving the lifetime achievement award, David Porter OBE, said: “Getting the lifetime achievement award is a great honour but it worried me a bit… it seemed a bit final! I’m not going out yet!”

He added: “Seeing the electricity privatisation succeed is wonderful for customers and has been one of my highlights. The energy industry is full of delightful people, stacked up with brainpower.”

The awards and their winners:

1. Independent Energy Consultant of the Year

Winner- Energy Services Partnership

Commendation- Powerisk

2. Independent Energy Supplier of the Year

Winner- Opus Energy

Commendation- Contract Natural Gas

3. The Green Award 2010

Winner- Savex ESL

Commendation- Northumbrian Water

4. Energy Consultant of the Year

Winner- Inenco Group

Commendation- Utility Aid

5. Energy Supplier of the Year

Winner- npower

Commendation- Scottish & Southern Energy

6. The Innovation Award

Winner- Chalmor

Commendation- Ministry of Defence

7. Energy Buyer of the Year

Winner- Kirstie Johnson of the Anchor Trust

Commendation- Giacinto Patellaro of M&S

8. Lifetime Achievement Award for Service to the Energy Industry

Winner- David Porter OBE, Chief Executive at the Association of Electricity Producers