An energy company has opened applications for a £3m Powering Communities to Net Zero (PCNZ) fund.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' (SSEN) initiative aims to bolster resilience measures in the neighborhoods it serves while promoting the use of low-carbon technologies by non-profit entities.

The fund, available annually until Spring 2028, succeeds the Resilient Communities Fund, which gave out more than £5m to around 700 projects in the past nine years.

READ MORE: 'Thriving cafe culture' hopes for Top of Town as council reveals plans to transform area

Grants of up to £15,000 will be available to successful applicants in this domain.

The rest of the fund will assist non-profit groups in acquiring new low-carbon technology.

A successful application could lead to a community scheme or centre receiving support to offset the costs of EV chargers, solar panels, smart heating controls or other energy-efficient solutions.

Grants amounting to £20,000 will be awarded to successful applicants in this category.

SSEN Distribution’s managing director Chris Burchell said: "At SSEN, our purpose is to power our communities to thrive today and help create a net zero tomorrow.

"Being true to that purpose underlines the importance of our efforts to engage our communities, to understand local needs and to support our customers, particularly in areas of resilience and environment.

"That’s why we are so pleased to announce our new PCNZ fund, which has been developed to help improve resilience and the environment for the communities we serve."

Applications for the 2024/25 fund are now open, visit ssen.co.uk/pcnz to access the application form and more.

A search-and-rescue vehicle bought by previous fund winnersA search-and-rescue vehicle bought by previous fund winners (Image: SSEN)

You qualify for funding if your project benefits communities within SSEN’s licence areas.

Past winners of SSEN's past community funding include a search and rescue team in Hampshire that bought a new vehicle and a first-aid course in Whitchurch.

In Scotland, the residents in the community of Eassie and Nevay successfully applied for funding to ensure their village hall can operate during poor weather.