SSEN Transmission has launched what it has said is its biggest ever community benefit fund – with £10 million available over the next two years to organisations across the north of Scotland.
Applications are open for the first £5 million round of the new strategic investment fund, which launched today. The fund will support larger-scale, multi-partner projects that tackle fuel poverty and improve skills and employability – with grants of between £1m and £5m available through the initial funding round.
SSEN Transmission said that a further £5 million is expected to be made available in 2027, enabling organisations to develop longer-term proposals and partnerships.
The strategic investment fund is in addition to SSEN Transmission’s Regional Community Benefit Fund. The third round of this fund, offering £2 million, opened for applications last week.
Together, the two funds will provide at least £12 million over the next two years, representing the largest community funding package ever delivered by the electricity transmission network operator, it said.
Alongside local funds for communities hosting new transmission infrastructure, the investment forms part of an anticipated £100+ million community benefit programme linked to SSEN Transmission’s £29 billion investment to upgrade the electricity network, helping support energy security, economic growth and lasting opportunities for communities across the north of Scotland
SSEN Transmission’s director of customers and stakeholders, Christianna Logan, said, “As we deliver our £29 billion investment programme, building the electricity network needed for the future, we’re also committed to creating long-term value for communities across the north of Scotland.
“The strategic investment fund demonstrates our ambition to deliver community benefit funding that reflects the scale of investment taking place across the region, supporting larger projects that will accelerate meaningful, long-term benefits for local communities.
“Together with the established Regional Community Benefit Fund, at least £12 million will be made available over the next two years as part of an anticipated community benefit package of more than £100 million. That investment will support projects that help tackle fuel poverty, improve skills and employability, and create lasting opportunities for communities.
“By working with communities and partners, we can ensure the benefits of the energy transition are felt not only through greater energy security and economic growth, but also through a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
Peter Peacock, independent chair of the Regional Community Benefit Fund, added, “The launch of the strategic investment fund marks a significant step forward in community benefit funding across the north of Scotland.
“Whether it’s helping people develop new skills, improving access to employment opportunities, or supporting initiatives that tackle fuel poverty, we’re looking for projects that can make a meaningful difference to communities across the region.
“The Strategic Investment Fund builds on the strong foundations established by the Regional Community Benefit Fund, creating an unprecedented opportunity for organisations to deliver positive, long-term change.”
In March 2025 the UK government introduced guidance setting out the level of funding areas near to new or significantly upgraded transmission infrastructure should be awarded, to pay for projects identified by communities.
UK Government energy minister Michael Shanks said, “We’re determined to make sure that communities benefit from hosting vital transmission infrastructure. That’s why this government introduced industry-wide guidance, setting out the amount of funding those areas should receive.
“Our guidance puts power into communities’ hands by ensuring the money is spent on projects close to the hearts of those living in the area.”
Scottish Government energy minister Stephen Gethins commented, “Scotland’s energy resources are valuable assets and we are committed to ensuring communities share in the benefits of the energy transition. Alongside jobs and investment, it is important that communities have a meaningful role in shaping how these opportunities contribute to their long-term needs and aspirations.
“This funding will support communities across the north of Scotland to deliver projects that reflect their priorities, helping to create a lasting legacy for local areas.”
