PLEAS to launch a new "energy company" at Worcester City Council have been rejected - with the leader saying the council hasn't got the resources to make it work.

Councillor Simon Geraghty has refuted suggestions that he should follow the route of Birmingham City Council and set up an in-house organisation to allow residents to buy cheap fuel.

The tactic would see the local authority purchase energy in bulk, at lower wholesale costs before passing it on.

It is aimed at tackling fuel poverty amid fears many vulnerable people face the choice between eating or heating this winter.

Councillor Neil Laurenson, Worcester City Council's lone Green, used a Guildhall meeting to ask Cllr Geraghty for his views.

Cllr Laurenson said: "Birmingham City Council is looking to slash its £25 million a year gas, electricity and water bills through investment in solar and wind power, fuel saving initiatives and using its size to buy wholesale energy at lower costs.

"A new dedicated council energy manager will also be asked to look at the detailed business case for creating a low cost energy company to allow citizens to get access to cheap fuel.

"Would you consider investigating whether this council could secure cheap wholesale energy and pass it on to Worcester households at a lower cost than the big energy companies, which would help to combat fuel poverty?"

But the move is considered unrealistic in Worcester because of the city council's size compared to Birmingham.

For any energy company to be successful, it would first need a considerable investment upfront and dedicated staff members.

Cllr Geraghty said: "I haven't considered the possibility of the council launching its own energy company, and to be honest I don't think we've got the size and scale to do so."

The county council, meanwhile, is gaining a strong reputation for being among the greener local authorities in the UK.

By 2016, it is on track to have slashed carbon emissions by 30 per cent on its 2011 levels.

More than 180 staff have been given training on reducing energy consumptions, which was primarily aimed at Worcestershire schools.