Aberdeen City Council will set up a new energy services company to manage all its energy-related activity.

The new arms-length organisation will focus on tackling fuel poverty and investing in local clean energy projects. It will be owned completely by the council.

At the moment a working group made up of internal energy experts, elected members and financial services staff has been set up to design a detailed business plan for the new company.

The costs for the business plan are estimated to be between £30,000 to £45,000.

The new firm could be involved in the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of power as well as supporting services such as energy efficiency, savings, renewables and emission reductions.

The council hasn’t decided yet if the company will be a public sector organisation, a private sector organisation or a joint venture between two or more organisations.

Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “The Energy Services Company will give help ensure the council becomes a leader in the energy market, and will in turn help attract new expertise to the area.

“It will also help to tackle fuel poverty, while at the same time investing in local clean energy, boosting jobs and growth in the local economy.”