Energy company EDF has become the second UK utility to increase energy prices. And this isn't any old price rise, but a whopping double-digit percentage increase. EDF joins nPower, which had earlier increased its prices by an even more whopping 17.9%.

With inflation-smashing price rises such as these (British Gas, E.On and Scottish Power will soon follow suit, according to analysts) an already delicate economy will surely take an even steeper dive. It underlines, and some would argue, supports, the government's committment to nuclear energy.

But a flailing economy isn't the only problem procurement professionals face from a roller coaster energy price graph. Just how many corporate buyers are energy specialists? If you haven't got good relationships with a few consultants in this area, now might be the right time to investigate...