Community Energy

Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) is keen to support community groups to explore, develop and deliver their own community energy projects as part of our wider commitment to climate action and a just transition to net zero.


Why Community Energy Matters

Community energy projects come in all shapes and sizes. They can be simple, low‑cost actions or more ambitious local energy systems – but they all share the same two core aims:

  • Reducing carbon emissions
  • Reducing energy costs for communities, organisations and individuals


Examples include:

  • Changing behaviours such as using electricity outside peak tariff times to save money
  • Community awareness and smart energy management projects
  • Renewable energy generation including solar, wind and hydro
  • Battery storage and local resilience solutions

From the simplest actions to larger renewable projects, every initiative plays a role in tackling climate change.


Why Now?

There has never been a better time to develop community energy projects.

  • Great British Energy and the UK Government have launched the Local Power Plan, with up to £1 billion available for locally‑owned clean energy projects across the UK
  • Distribution Network Operators, including SSE in Perth & Kinross, are now actively enabling smaller‑scale local projects and developing new tools such as LENZA to support them
  • The UK Government is investing approximately £8.3 billion in Great British Energy, with around £3.3 billion earmarked for the Local Power Plan to support up to 8GW of cheaper, cleaner power

Together, these changes are transforming the energy landscape - making 2026 and beyond the ideal time for communities to start planning.

PKC is working in partnership with Community Energy Scotland and others to support communities at every stage of their journey.

The PKC Community Energy Offer

Community Energy Questionnaire

To better understand what support Community Energy projects need, complete the Community Energy Questionnaire to help shape ideas, explore options and plan next steps for their own energy projects.

Complete the form online or download the questionnaire here

Guidance, information and signposting

We will highlight relevant funding opportunities, organisations and resources that can help communities progress their projects

Project recording and advice

PKC will record community energy projects across Perth and Kinross and provide guidance on project development, funding bids and key considerations. While PKC and partners cannot deliver projects on behalf of communities, we will be there to support, advise and guide you.

We are asking community groups in Perth and Kinross that are considering developing a community energy project to:

  1. Complete the online form or download the Community Energy Questionnaire
  2. Return it to: [email protected]

This first step helps us understand your ambitions and connect you with appropriate support.

Find out how PKC is working to reduce emissions and achieve net‑zero by 2045.

Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan

Community Energy Scotland

Community Energy Scotland (CES) is a member-led, independent organisation providing practical and technical support for community project development. CES work in partnership with community groups and others who share their values, building their understanding and capacity to create more democratic, sustainable and low carbon solutions.

Energy Learning Network

A UK-wide programme powering forward community energy projects, helping more groups to launch or grow their schemes that decarbonise the grid, create resilience, reduce energy bills and create meaningful benefits for local people.

Community Energy Launchpad

Support for community groups exploring community energy for the first time. The Community Energy Launchpad helps community groups across Scotland to take the first steps into renewable energy and shared ownership projects and explore the options available.

Local Energy Scotland (CARES)

Local Energy Scotland administers and manages the Scottish Governments Community and Renewables Energy Scheme (CARES). CARES supports communities to engage with, participate in, and benefit from the transition to net-zero emissions.

With new funding, stronger partnerships and better tools now in place, community energy in Perth and Kinross is entering a new era of opportunity.

Perth and Kinross Council wants to support communities with the imagination, determination and resilience to shape their own energy future.

Together, we can build cleaner, cheaper and more resilient local energy systems for Perth & Kinross.