The inaugural transmission community benefit fund, a financial fund for communities hosting crucial transmission infrastructure, is open to groups across central and southern Scotland, where SP Energy Networks is undertaking the biggest rewiring of the grid in decades.
The fund only opened in April this year and has approved more than £1.6 million of investment for communities across South Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire, Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway already.
The RNLI is an early beneficiary, with almost £10,000 allocated to fund the training of seven RNLI crew members at Girvan Lifeboat Station in South Ayrshire.
SP Energy Networks’ Mark Hill substation nearby is being upgraded to strengthen the local network, improve reliability for homes and businesses, and support the growing amount of renewable energy connecting to the grid.
Elaine Stewart, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock visited the RNLI station in Girvan. She said: “Community benefit funding can make a real difference in my constituency of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock. As an area with significant renewable energy presence, it is important that the community can see tangible benefits from the infrastructure and investment taking place around them.
“Supporting the third sector organisations who make a lasting impact on people's lives is so important, and during my visit to the RNLI in Girvan, I saw first-hand the work the fantastic volunteers do. They work so hard to keep people safe along our coastline, particularly during the busy summer months. This ScottishPower fund will pay towards seven volunteer lifeboat crew members, ensuring the RNLI’s vital service can continue to protect residents and visitors alike.
“I am pleased to see the Community Benefit Fund delivering meaningful investment for South Ayrshire and helping organisations like the RNLI keep up their invaluable work.”
Joiner Kris Gordon, of Givan, also volunteers with the local crew. He said: “Girvan is a brilliant community. We have a fantastic fishing fleet and a lot of pleasure boats operating out of the harbour.
“I like to be able to say that when something goes wrong, we will be there to assist. We give people peace of mind that their loved ones will be safe going to sea and that gives me great pride.”
The funding from SP Energy Networks’ community benefit fund will support the next generation of volunteer training and Kris emphasised how important donations are to the RNLI.
He added: “If we didn’t get funding, we couldn’t do what we do. The funding pays for everything from the station that we’re based in and the gear we wear, to the fuel that goes into the boat.
“The money being given today will go towards training and enable the next tier of volunteers to come through; which keeps the boat on service and keeps us being able to provide that emergency response that is so important.”
Alison Byers, RNLI, Regional Engagement Lead said: “The support from SP Energy Networks means our RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew here in Girvan can develop the skills they need to save lives at sea. This very generous donation of £9,800 will train up to seven crew on essential lifesaving skills, such as boat handling, sea survival and casualty care.”
Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “Awarding £1.6 million in just four months shows the scale of benefit that can come from these vital transmission network upgrades.
“Our community benefit fund demonstrates how empowered groups, served by SP Energy Networks in central and southern Scotland can maximise the opportunities created by an upgraded transmission network."
The UK Government set out guidance in March 2025 to enable communities hosting new electricity transmission infrastructure to receive meaningful, long‑term community benefit funding that they can shape and direct locally.
The SP Energy Networks community benefit fund was created to ensure the transition to a cleaner, greener energy system delivers real, lasting benefits for the people living in the across central and southern Scotland.
New substations in Sanquhar, Mark Hill, Coalburn and Stranoch, as well as new overhead lines in Stranoch and Chirmorie will also see local community organisations, charities and social enterprises able to apply for grants to turn their ideas into action.
Funding allocation for community projects is guided by an independent decision-making panel and process, ensuring investment supports local priorities and delivers lasting social, economic and environmental benefits.
From creating opportunities for skills development and employability support to improving and enhancing green spaces, the funds aim to bring community-led projects to life through grassroots and local grants.
Residents in eligible areas are encouraged to share their ideas via email to communitybenefits@spenergynetworks.co.uk, phone on 0203 872 5895 or via our website.