Birmingham City Council could become the latest local authority to enter the energy business, according to a new green paper.

The council is currently reviewing a number of services and one of the options being put forward is establishing a Birmingham Energy Services Company, which would be
run by the council to generate local energy.

According to the council, an energy services company could help save the local authority £250m a year by tackling fuel poverty and generating income.

‘In the 21st century, we need more local control over energy and we will aim to set up an energy services company that will generate energy for local consumption from the city's waste, its woodland management, from solar installations and also ensure that more efficient district energy systems are installed,' said council leader, Sir Albert
Bore.

‘We are looking to both reduce the costs of energy to Birmingham people and businesses, but also to generate an income which will be ploughed back into supporting local services.'

In August, Glasgow City Council announced plans for a green energy company, which could tackle fuel poverty and create new jobs