SP Energy Networks has enlisted Luxton for a year-long tour designed to support the roll-out of community energy projects across Scotland, England and Wales. The programme aligns with the company's strategy to enable neighbourhoods to produce homegrown power and make the most of local renewable opportunities.

Drawing on his experience as co-founder of the Hooky Energy Club, Luxton will visit projects over the next 12 months, showcasing their positive impact and directing groups to assistance from SP Energy Networks' dedicated Community Energy team.

The tour began in Ayr, where Luxton and the SP Energy Networks team visited community-owned solar installations delivered by the Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Association in Wallacetown.

Developed in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, the initiative secured a £216,000 grant from SP Energy Networks' Transmission Net Zero Fund, alongside support from the Scottish Government's Community Energy Generation Growth Fund.

Solar panels have been installed on Wallacetown Early Years Centre, St John's Primary and Newton Primary. Revenue from the power generated is reinvested locally, with the scheme expected to deliver an estimated £1 million over the next 25 years for community services and projects.

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Charlie said: "Community energy projects tackle big challenges like fuel poverty and have a huge collective impact for our environment.

"SP Energy Networks is working hard to make community-powered energy projects a reality right across the country and Wallacetown is a great example.

"This community has taken control of its own energy and turned it into something that will benefit people for the next 25 years. I can't wait to get out and meet more groups like this over the coming year, spotlight their great work and help make community energy more accessible to all."

Aileen Rourke, Director, SP Distribution at SP Energy Networks, said: "There are lots of ways we can help community groups make their energy ambitions a reality. Our dedicated Community Energy team are on hand at every stage, from scoping to stakeholder consultations and connection processes.

"It can be complicated to navigate how to make this kind of project a reality, so we want to help make that process as easy as possible. We're excited to have the support of Charlie Luxton as our first Community Energy Champion and for him to help raise the profile of incredible community groups who have made their ideas a reality."

Alan Roseweir from the Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Association added: "Having Charlie come and see Wallacetown for himself meant a lot to everyone involved in this project. We've really benefited from support from SP Energy Networks and together we've worked through the challenges of delivering community energy projects for the first time. By sharing learnings from our project, hopefully we'll inspire other groups to do the same."

SP Energy Networks said its Community Energy Strategy was shaped by a recent sector-wide stakeholder survey. It found strong support for community energy, with 54% of respondents rating it very or extremely important to their community's future. While nearly 80% were aware of the help available, only 11% had accessed it.

Further details on SP Energy Networks' community energy support can be found at www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/community_energy.aspx.