Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is now accepting applications to its new Powering Communities to Net Zero fund.

Successor to the Resilient Communities Fund, the new initiative is offering £3m in grants over the next four years, equally split between physical and environmental resilience projects and low-carbon technology.

The aim is to aid communities during persistent power outages induced by severe weather and promote the inclusion of greener technology by not-for-profit organisations.

SSEN will provide grants of £15,000 for community-led, resilience-based projects and up to £20,000 for low-carbon technology proposals.

Potential grant applications could involve social housing or community centres receiving funds for EV chargers, solar panels, battery storage, low-carbon heating systems, or intelligent heating controls, amongst other things.

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.

"That's why we are so pleased to announce our new Powering Communities to Net Zero (PCNZ) fund."

He explained that the fund's aim is to improve resilience and the environment for the communities SSEN serves.

Charitable status is not a requirement for groups to apply; however, any organisation submitting an application must operate on a non-profit basis.

Applications for the fund are open, with more information on eligibility and the process available on www.ssen.co.uk/psr.