SP Energy Networks has announced the upcoming launch of its new Community Benefit funding programme in January 2026. The first tranche of funding will offer grants from a pot of a £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 SP Energy Networks 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, SP Energy Networks is investing in its transmission network, some of which is over 70 years old.
Through its 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 funds aim to bring community-led projects to life through grassroots, local and strategic grants.
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.”
SP Energy Networks already has a strong track record of delivering real, social and economic value through its 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.
SP Energy Networks has ensured its 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.
The transmission owner 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 the 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 new 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.
In Case You Missed It:
Johnston Carmichael steps up for communities across Scotland with £24,000 Kiltwalk fundraising boost
SSEN Transmission pledges 600 ‘Earn as You Learn’ roles by 2030
Empirisys secures partnership with Bumi Armada UK to deploy BOOST across North Sea operations
£8,000 boost for Scottish communities teed up at charity golf day
“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.”
SP Energy Networks, part of the ScottishPower group, owns and operates the electricity transmission and distribution network in Central and Southern Scotland, delivering power to more than two million homes and businesses. Community Benefit Funding has been established through SP Transmission, a subsidiary of SP Energy Networks, responsible for transmitting high-voltage electricity from power stations and windfarms to the low-voltage network across Central and Southern Scotland.
For more information, please visit spenergynetworks.co.uk/communitybenefits
