DURHAM County Council and the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade are to use "green" electricity supplies.

From April npower major business accounts will supply the council and the brigade with electricity produced from sustainable natural sources, including wind farms and hydro-electricity stations.

They will provide 10.7 per cent of the total energy needs of County Hall, the Service Direct depot at Framwellgate Moor and the brigade headquarters - above the Government's 10.4 per cent renewable energy target by the year 2010.

Council leader Ken Manton said: "Environmental issues are important to us, and therefore we aim to maximise our energy efficiency.

"We already do simple things, such as using energy efficient light bulbs and energy efficient boilers, so switching to renewable energy means we can play a greater role in reducing our CO2 emissions."

Greener electricity is more expensive but the move will save an estimated annual total of 1,470 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Chris Allen, sales director of npower major business accounts, said: "The climate change levy, introduced in April 2001, is designed to tax companies who are energy inefficient.

"By thinking green, Durham County Council and the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade will reduce their tax bills, thereby countering the increased cost of their renewable energy.

The council says its latest environmentally-friendly measure is particularly important following the Government's White Paper, Our Energy Future, which was released last month.

The council is preparing a plan to identify areas where energy consumption can be reduced.