Community Fund
Norwich to Tilbury is a new electricity transmission link proposed in East Anglia. We believe that communities which host new electricity infrastructure should benefit from doing so, and this is why we want Norwich to Tilbury to deliver meaningful and long-lasting benefits for local communities and the wider area.
If Norwich to Tilbury is granted planning consent, a dedicated Community Fund of over £30 million will be unlocked when we start construction. The fund would be invested in two ways, a Local Fund, with grants available for grass-roots projects and a Strategic Fund, supporting bigger, longer-term projects.
The Community Fund could support projects that invest in skills and training, improve community spaces, support physical health and wellbeing, enhance green spaces or create partnerships with charities or service providers.
Webinars
We are holding two webinars where you can learn more about the Community Fund. Each webinar will include a presentation followed by an opportunity to ask questions.
22 July 6-7pm. Register here.
29 July 12-1pm. Register here.
Providing feedback
Tell us how you think this fund could make a difference to where you live. It might be:
• opening doors to new skills, training and opportunities for the future
• revitalising community and green spaces where people can connect and thrive
• strengthening health and wellbeing support for local people
• or anything else you think your community needs.
Click here to complete our online feedback form
Frequently asked questions
The consultation period will run for as long as possible, giving you plenty of time to share your thoughts and ideas. Your feedback will help us develop our Community Fund strategy.
Throughout the consultation period, we are asking you to fill out a survey and give us your views.
We are holding webinars on 22 July and 29 July to allow communities to find out more. We’ll also be out and about in local communities later this year to hear your ideas and find out what matters most to you. Alongside this, we are meeting a wide range of stakeholders, including charities, community organisations and sector representatives, to gather their insights on local priorities.
In 2025, the government published guidance that sets out a clear framework for community funds. The aim is to deliver long-lasting social, economic and environmental benefits for local communities.
This guidance covers the types of infrastructure that are eligible, including new above-ground infrastructure, larger substation extensions (over one hectare beyond the existing fence line), and some overhead line upgrades. It also sets out how funding levels are calculated, including £200,000 per km of overhead line and £530,000 per substation, substation extension, converter or switching station.
Based on this guidance, Norwich to Tilbury could deliver a Community Fund of over £30 million during construction, if it receives development consent.
The full guidance document can be seen here.
The Community Fund strategy will be shaped by your feedback and would have two parts managed separately:
• The Local Fund will be administered by independent grant-making organisations, which will use local knowledge and agreed criteria to assess applications.
• The Strategic Fund will be developed with input from local and regional stakeholders through an Independent Advisory Network, bringing together people with relevant experience and local understanding.
This approach helps make sure that:
• funding decisions aren't made in advance
• funding reflects local priorities and what communities say matters most
• there is transparency and independent oversight of decisions.
We will also share information about how funding is awarded and the difference it is making in local communities.
After this consultation, we will develop a Community Fund programme and set out how and when people can apply for funding.
The funds will become available if the project receives consent and construction begins. This is currently expected in 2027.
The government guidance currently focuses on above-ground infrastructure only, along with certain substation extensions and overhead line upgrades. This means underground cable routes are not eligible for the local grant fund.
However, areas along Norwich to Tilbury’s proposed underground cable route could still benefit through the strategic fund, which supports larger, long-term projects. We are keen to hear from residents and stakeholders in these areas, as their feedback will help shape how this funding is used.
Alongside the community fund guidance, the government has also announced plans for an electricity bill discount scheme for nearby households. This could include discounts of up to £2,500 over 10 years for people living within 500 metres of the project.
The government’s proposals are still at an early stage, and we’ll continue to work with the government as more details become available.