Douglas Alexander MP has welcomed the news that communities in East Lothian and across Scotland can now apply for new funding from a £4 million Great British Energy scheme.

The funding targets local clean energy projects – from community-led onshore wind, to solar on rooftops and hydropower in rivers – generating profits which could be reinvested into community projects or take money off people’s bills.

Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean power company, is giving communities a stake in generating their own energy so people can reinvest profits where it really matters.

Great British Energy’s £4 million funding is part of the £8 million Community Energy Generation Growth Fund, with the remaining funding coming from the Scottish Government.

Douglas Alexander MP said:

“During the election campaign we promised that one of Labour’s first acts would be to establish the publicly-owned Great British Energy to invest in clean energy projects.

“It has now been set up and communities here in East Lothian and across Scotland will begin to reap the benefits, starting with this funding for community energy projects.”

Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said:

“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action – putting communities in the driving seat of energy generation and making sure people profit.

“Great British Energy wants to kickstart a community energy revolution, empowering our towns and villages to become mini energy producers and reinvest profits back into the local community.”

Further information about the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund, including details on eligibility and how to apply, can be found at https://localenergy.scot/funding/community-energy-generation-growth-fund/