Local people invited to help shape £530,000 investment in Didcot communities
Residents, community groups and local organisations are being invited to help shape a new £530,000 community fund associated with National Grid's Didcot substation project.
National Grid is carrying out works to extend the existing 400kV Didcot substation and, as part of its commitment to delivering lasting benefits for the communities that host its infrastructure, is asking local people what matters most to them and how the money might be spent.
The consultation will run from Tuesday 22 September to Tuesday 27 October 2026, with opportunities to get involved and speak with the National Grid team at events in and around Didcot in September and October – as well as at an online session in October.
Developed in line with government guidance on community funds for electricity transmission infrastructure, the consultation follows conversations with local organisations to better understand community needs.
Potential funding themes that have emerged include:
- inspiring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) ambitions and developing future skills
- promoting health, wellbeing and community resilience
- improving the energy efficiency of homes and public buildings
- protecting and enhancing local nature and biodiversity
The consultation will give local people the chance to comment on these themes and put forward additional ideas, with feedback helping to ensure the fund reflects local priorities and ambitions.
Eleanor Dowding, external affairs advisor at National Grid, said:
"We are delighted to launch this consultation and want to hear from as many local people and organisations as possible. This fund represents a significant investment in Didcot communities, and it is important that it reflects the issues and opportunities that matter most to residents. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and help shape how this funding is invested."
Visit the project website for more information and to take part in the consultation
Consultation events are taking place at the following venues:
- Didcot Garden Town community update meeting
30 September 2026, 5pm to 7:30pm
Harwell Village Hall, OX11 0EX - Pop-up event at The Orchard Centre, near Sainsbury's
6 October 2026, 1pm to 5pm
Central Drive, Didcot, OX11 7ND - Online consultation event
13 October 2026, 6pm to 7pm
To attend this online event, please sign up via the project website