We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new Community Benefit funding programme in January 2026.
The first tranche of funding will offer grants from a pot of £7.8m alongside practical support to community groups based near eligible transmission infrastructure.
The funding aims to deliver lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits, ensuring local people share in the opportunities created by our work to deliver a transmission network fit for the future.
A doubling of electricity demand is predicted by 2050, with the majority of the electricity coming from green, renewable electricity sources. To ensure this demand can be met and to transport green, renewable electricity across the country to where it is needed, we are investing in our transmission network, some of which is over 70 years old.
Through our Community Benefit Funding, local community organisations, charities, and social enterprises operating in qualifying areas are encouraged to apply for grants from January 2026 to help turn their ideas into action.
From creating opportunities for skills development and employability support to improving cohesion and enhancing green spaces, the fund aims to bring community-led projects to life through grassroots, local and strategic grants.
Image: Representatives from SP Energy Networks, Community Energy in Scotland, and Agile City at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute for the Community Benefits launch event.
Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "This new funding programme reflects our belief that the communities who host our infrastructure should also share in the benefits it brings. It's about backing local people with the resources, knowledge and tools they need to build a stronger future.
"Investing in the grid is about more than just infrastructure, it's also about leaving a positive legacy for the areas we serve. This funding is one way we're making sure communities aren't just part of the transition to a greener future, they're at the heart of it."
We already have a strong track record of delivering real, social and economic value through our previous community funding initiatives, The Green Economy Fund and the Net Zero Fund. In total, the funds have invested £25m into communities in central and southern Scotland which have supported over 60 projects that have made a positive and lasting impact on their communities.
We have ensured our community benefit funds are aligned with community interests and priorities by undertaking extensive research and engaging collaboratively with local communities.
Key community priorities were identified through these consultations, with fund applicants 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.
We will also 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.
Rosie McLuskie, Chief Executive Officer at Food Train, said: "We have recently received funding from SP Energy Networks' Net Zero Fund to purchase a new fleet of electric delivery vehicles, and the positive impact has been clear from day one. Not only have we significantly reduced our emissions, but the vans have also provided us with reliable transport we can depend on - which is absolutely vital to our day-to-day support for older people.
"SP Energy Networks previously backed Food Train through its Green Economy Fund, helping us kickstart electrification of our fleet in Stirling and Renfrewshire. That support has been instrumental in accelerating and expanding our decarbonisation of our operations.
"It's fantastic to see SP Energy Networks continuing their commitment to supporting local communities through the launch of its Community Benefit Funding programme, which will help even more organisations make a real difference."
Sarah McCusker, Trustee and Project Manager at Glenkens Community Centre, said: "Support we received from SP Energy Networks' Net Zero Fund enabled us to renovate our much-loved community centre - a vital hub for people of all ages across the Glenkens area. The improvements have made the building more accessible, energy efficient, and welcoming for the many groups and events that rely on it.
"Investing in places like this strengthens the fabric of local communities, and we're delighted to see SP Energy Networks continuing to champion that through its upcoming Community Benefit Funding programme. It's a fantastic opportunity for other local projects to bring their ideas to life and make a real difference."
Image: Representatives from community councils, community organisations, Community Energy in Scotland and Agile City alongside SP Energy Networks at our Community Benefit launch event.