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.

Localgiving is the Delivery Partner of this Community Benefit Funding and 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. The announcement of this new funding was made in Edinburgh on 27^th November in event attended by Localgiving alongside representatives from SP Energy Networks, partners and community members.

(L-R, Andrei Yusfin, Lauren Swain and Chris Breeze at the Community Benefit Funding launch in Edinburgh, 27th November 2025) 

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.

SP Energy Networks will also roll out a programme of capacity-building support, including in-person upskilling events, online guidance and tailored workshops to help communities develop impactful projects.

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 together with Localgiving 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 our consultations, with fund applicants required to deliver on at least one area of local improvement through their project.

Andrei Yusfin, CEO of Localgiving speaking at the announcement: “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 that this funding can deliver.”

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.

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.  

--> More details will be announced on the Localgiving website and our media channels in January.

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