Applications are now open for our new community benefit funding programme.
Communities from South Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire, Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway can apply for a share of £6.82 million of funding available for hosting crucial transmission infrastructure in the region.
The funds are associated with the work on a number of essential transmission projects to boost the country's work towards clean power 2030. These include new substations in Sanquhar, Mark Hill, Coalburn and Stranoch, as well as new overhead lines in the latter and in Chirmorie and Clyde South.
Local community organisations, charities, and social enterprises in the following community council areas may be eligible to apply:
- Coalburn
- Lesmahagow
- Crawford and Elvanfoot
- Tweedsmuir
- Sanquhar
- Kirkconnel and Kelloholm
- New Luce
- Barrhill
- Pinmore and Pinwherry
- Girvan and District
A doubling of electricity demand is predicted by 2050, with the majority of the electricity coming from green, renewable electricity sources. These new funds aim to deliver lasting social, economic and environmental benefits, ensuring local people share in the opportunities created by our work to build a transmission network fit to meet the electricity demand of the future.
Through our community benefit funding, eligible groups including local community organisations, charities and social enterprises operating in qualifying areas are now being encouraged to apply for grants to help turn their ideas into action.
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.
Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "Our first tranche of community funding for 2026 is now live and we are encouraging eligible communities hosting and directly impacted by our transmission infrastructure to apply now through this new programme.
"We believe our communities should share directly in the benefits of our projects, and we're excited to be able to help them bring their ideas and initiatives that matter most to communities, to life.
"Strengthening the grid goes beyond infrastructure investment - it's about connecting people, and creating meaningful, long-term benefits for the communities we serve. With the fund now open for applications, we're empowering communities to take an active role in building a cleaner, greener future."
We have undertaken extensive research, engagement and collaboration with local communities to understand their interests and priorities, in-turn ensuring our community benefit funding initiative is aligned with the wants and needs of our communities.
Andrei Yusfin, CEO of fund delivery partner Localgiving, said: "We are excited to be partnering with SP Energy Networks for this impactful new community benefit funding programme.
"Over the past few months it's been fantastic to engage directly with groups across Scotland, learning about their communities, latest developments and biggest challenges.
"We are delighted to be able to be a part of this positive and innovative programme and alongside SP Energy Networks see the impact this funding can deliver."
Fund applicants are required to deliver on at least one area of local improvement through their project.
These areas include strengthening financial resilience, providing employability support, developing skills, promoting active lifestyles, improving community spaces and access to nature, enhancing green spaces, and advancing educational, social, digital and transport inclusion.
Nathan Hill, Head of Renewables, Transportation and Decarbonisation at Energy Saving Trust - who are also a delivery partner for our Local Grants - added: "We're proud to be working alongside SP Energy Networks to help ensure these new local grants deliver real, lasting benefits for the communities hosting vital transmission infrastructure.
"Our role as delivery partner means we'll be supporting groups to turn their ideas into action ranging from improving energy efficiency, creating greener spaces, or building skills for a low-carbon future."
"This programme is about empowering communities to shape their own sustainable future, and we're excited to help make this happen."
We are also calling for local input around the first tranche of funding by inviting feedback on how people feel the money should be spent to best support their community.
Residents in eligible areas are encouraged to share their thoughts via email to communitybenefits@spenergynetworks.co.uk, phone on 0203 872 5895 or via our website.
We will be launching additional local funds later in 2026, the criteria for which will also be moulded through ongoing engagement with local communities and stakeholders to ensure it reflects local needs and aspirations.
For more information on our funding, click here: Community Benefit Funding