The Scottish Community Coalition on Energy has published its manifesto recommendations for political parties in the run up to the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
Energy is a hot topic just now. From fuel poverty to net zero, and from energy pricing to local opposition to pylons, it’s consistently in the news and on the agenda in Government and Parliament.
It’s clear that our energy system isn’t working for ordinary people. Communities should have more influence and feel more benefit from our energy system. The most direct way to do that is by increasing community ownership of renewables, storage and heat systems.
As we decarbonise our energy mix, we also need to democratise energy ownership – so that the benefits and decision-making powers aren’t kept by the few but are distributed amongst all of us.
Communities that own their own renewables are already reaping the benefits, by selling the electricity they generate and retaining the income locally. Community energy organisations invest millions of pounds each year in projects like community-led housing; community buy-outs of pubs, post offices and business hubs; community bus services, car clubs and bike hire schemes; and even harbour redevelopment. This is community wealth building in action.
We recognise that not all communities can or want to own their own energy, so we also make recommendations on transforming the community benefits system.
Although many of the powers to make change are reserved at UK level, there are some key policies that the Scottish Government could implement that would be transformative for communities in Scotland. Read our 3-page manifesto to find out more.
