NEW YORK, June 16 /PRNewswire/ --

Platts, the world's foremost energy information provider and a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), is currently seeking nominations for the 10th annual Platts Global Energy Awards, which recognize excellence of companies and individuals in the global energy industry.

On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, Platts, along with principal sponsor Capgemini, will host the annual black-tie dinner and awards ceremony in New York City at Cipriani Wall Street. The Platts Global Energy Awards is one of the most recognized awards programs in the industry.

Platts is seeking nominations in 18 categories, including Energy Company of the Year (2007 winner: NRG Energy), CEO of the Year (2007 winner: Jim Rogers, Duke Energy), Lifetime Achievement Award (2007 winner: Lord Ernest Ronald Oxburgh), Downstream Business of the Year (2007 winner: Valero Energy Corporation), Rising Star Award (2007 Winner: AED Oil Limited), and Energy Transporter of the Year (2007 winner: Sovcomflot), among others.

"In the 10 years of Platts Global Energy Awards, the awards categories have grown in number and scope reflecting the industry's portfolio diversification, changes in priorities, and even the way the industry sees itself," said Platts President Victoria Chu Pao. "This year's three new awards will spotlight sustainability, a theme sure to lead innovation and growth over the next ten years."

New or updated categories for 2008 include Strategic Energy Investment of the Year, Sustainable Technology Innovation of the Year, and Sustainable Energy Initiative of the Year (a new combination of the former awards Energy Efficiency Initiative of the Year and Green Energy Innovator of the Year -- won in 2007 by Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited and Applied Materials, Inc, respectively. Downstream Company of the Year and Risk Management Innovator of the Year awards both include new criteria.

Other categories to be awarded include Commercial Technology of the Year, Community Development Program of the Year, ENR Energy Construction Project of the Year, Hydrocarbon Producer of the Year, Industry Leadership Award, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Power Company of the Year, and Engineering Project of the Year.

Any company doing business in the energy industry is eligible for these awards. Nominations may be submitted by the energy companies themselves, from clients, vendors, and other associates. To submit a nomination, learn more about the award categories, and see past winners and photos, visit www.globalenergyawards.com. All nominations must be received by September 12, 2008 to be considered.

A limited number of sponsorships are still available for this year's tenth anniversary celebration. For more information contact Vicki Peterson at Vicki_peterson@platts.com or +1-970-461-1090.

Fast Facts about the Platts Global Energy Awards:

* Platts receives more than 200 nominations each year. * Nominations have come from more than 30 countries including Brazil, India, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Russia, Switzerland, Argentina, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States. * This is the sixth consecutive year that Capgemini is the principal sponsor of the Platts Global Energy Awards; this is the second consecutive year that Spectra Energy is a co-sponsor. * Platts is proud to count former OPEC energy ministers, national regulators, former heads of major energy companies and leading academics and legislators among its judges, past and present. * Each category has a minimum of 4-5 key criteria against which the judges will evaluate each nomination. * The Platts Global Energy Awards have been described by past entrants and winners as both the "World Series" and "Academy Awards" of energy.

About Platts:

Platts, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), is a leading global provider of energy and commodities information. With nearly a century of business experience, Platts serves customers across more than 150 countries. From 17 offices worldwide, Platts serves the oil, natural gas, electricity, nuclear power, coal, petrochemical, emissions, shipping and metals markets. Platts' real time news, pricing, analytical services, and conferences help markets operate with transparency and efficiency. Traders, risk managers, analysts, and industry leaders depend upon Platts to help them make better trading and investment decisions. Additional information is available at http://www.platts.com .

About The McGraw-Hill Companies:

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were US$6.8 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com .

NOTE: To SUBSCRIBE to the Platts press release email list, please email platts_release@platts.com with the word "subscribe" in the subject field. To UNSUBSCRIBE, email platts_release@platts.com with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject field.

Web site: http://www.platts.com http://www.globalenergyawards.com http://www.mcgraw-hill.com

Kathleen Tanzy, +1-212-904-2860, Kathleen_tanzy@platts.com, Europe: Shiona Ramage, +44-207-1766153 Shiona_ramage@platts.com, Asia: Casey Yew, +65-653-06552 Casey_yew@platts.com