SP Energy Networks Channels £1.6 Million Into Scottish Communities as Major Electricity Grid Reinforcement Gets Underway

SP Energy Networks’ new Transmission Community Benefit Fund has approved more than £1.6 million in funding for communities across central and southern Scotland within four months of its launch.

The fund, which opened in April 2026, supports communities hosting major electricity transmission infrastructure. Funding has already been allocated to projects across South Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire, the Scottish Borders, and Dumfries and Galloway.

One of the early beneficiaries is the RNLI’s Girvan Lifeboat Station in South Ayrshire, which has received £9,800 to support the training of up to seven volunteer crew members.

The funding will cover essential training in areas including boat handling, sea survival and casualty care, helping volunteers maintain their emergency response capabilities.

The Girvan station is located near SP Energy Networks’ Mark Hill substation, which is being upgraded as part of the company’s wider transmission network development. The upgrade is intended to strengthen the local electricity network, improve reliability for homes and businesses, and accommodate increasing renewable energy connections.

Alison Byers, Regional Engagement Lead at the RNLI, said the funding would help volunteer lifeboat crew members develop the skills required for lifesaving operations at sea.

Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said the approval of more than £1.6 million in four months demonstrated the potential community benefits associated with transmission network upgrades.

The fund was established following UK Government guidance issued in March 2025, which set out a framework for communities hosting new electricity transmission infrastructure to receive long-term funding that can be directed towards local priorities.

Under the programme, communities associated with new substations at Sanquhar, Mark Hill, Coalburn and Stranoch, along with new overhead lines at Stranoch and Chirmorie, can apply for funding.

Eligible organisations include community groups, charities and social enterprises. Projects can cover areas such as skills development, employability, environmental improvements and the enhancement of local green spaces.

Funding decisions are made through an independent decision-making panel, with projects assessed based on their potential to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to local communities.