Community benefits in the context of network infrastructure mean extra ways for local communities to benefit from having a new electricity infrastructure project in their area. These benefits are an additional mechanism that is separate from the usual planning process. They help enhance the local economy, society, and environment to leave a positive legacy.
GEF was a £20 million fund launched by SPEN to support Scotland’s low-carbon transition. It supported over 30 projects including electrification of transport and heat, decarbonisation of community spaces and green skills development. Though now closed, it set a precedent for community-led decarbonisation.
NZF is an active fund (2022–2026) supporting vulnerable communities in Central and Southern Scotland to help them reach net zero sooner. It is closed for applications, but it previously offered phased support, including:
- Tailored community workshops
- Project planning and feasibility support
- Funding support
We are working with government and regulators to develop future funding mechanisms aligned with transmission upgrades. For eligible projects, our Community Benefits team will begin engagement once the project has been fully green-lit and has a set constructions date assigned.
We follow a community-led approach, meaning:
- Local priorities guide funding decisions.
- Communities are supported to participate meaningfully.
- Transparency and flexibility are built into the process.
Legacy refers to the long-term, measurable impact of funding. We aim to leave behind:
- Stronger, more resilient communities.
- Infrastructure that supports Net Zero.
- Skills and capacity for future growth.
We have used the stakeholder feedback to shape our Community Benefit Funding plans for RIIO-T3. Our community funding plans have been published as part of our RIIO-T3 Business Plan. In the Environmental Annex, we have explained in more detail how that feedback informed our plans.
Our Community Benefit Funding will only offer funding for wider, shared community benefits. We will fund community-led initiatives which aim to deliver lasting social, environmental and economic benefits for the local communities.
We are expecting the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to announce their plans for direct benefits like electricity bill discounts separately. The scheme design is still under development.
More information on the bill discount scheme is available on the government's website.