Delivered by RES, the Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS) gives eligible properties close to participating wind and solar farms a discount on their electricity bill, every year. Payments are credited directly with the account holder’s electricity supplier, and vouchers are sent to properties on pre-payment meters.

Since the scheme was launched in 2013, LEDS has provided £10,398,756 in electricity bill discounts through 50,664 individual payments. There are now 37 operational renewable energy projects within Great Britain and Northern Ireland currently offering LEDS, with more than 7,000 properties receiving almost £1.9 million in support during 2025 alone.

The scheme was designed by RES following consultation with communities around its wind farm projects, where electricity bill discounts were identified as a top priority. More than a decade later, LEDS has become a proven example of how locally focused benefit schemes can help ensure communities see a direct, tangible and long-term benefit from renewable energy development.

Lucy Whitford, UK & Ireland managing director at RES, said: “Surpassing this £10m milestone in LEDS payments is a clear demonstration of how renewable energy projects can efficiently deliver practical, lasting benefits for nearby communities.

“LEDS was created by listening to what communities told us they wanted: which put simply, was, and continues to be, cheaper electricity. With energy costs remaining a concern for many, the scheme has grown significantly as it continues to provide a meaningful benefit to thousands of properties every year, while also supporting home-grown electricity generation.

“As RES’ recently published Power for Good Sustainability Report highlights, we want to deliver positive environmental and social impact through the way we work, including listening to communities and providing practical benefits that reflect local priorities.”

Unlike traditional community benefit funds, which typically support shared local projects, LEDS provides those living and working within a defined eligible area the opportunity to apply and receive electricity discounts directly. The scheme can complement wider community benefit packages, helping communities benefit both collectively and individually from nearby renewable energy projects.

Energy minister Michael Shanks said: “Every solar panel and wind farm installed brings us closer to an energy system that can bring down bills for good.

“We welcome developers proactively taking action to give back to areas hosting vital infrastructure.”

RES provides end-to-end administration of LEDS, managing everything from eligible property participation and annual payments to coordination with energy suppliers, supported by robust governance and data protection processes. In addition to offering LEDS as a form of community benefit on its own projects in development, RES also administers the scheme as a service on behalf of third-party project owners, enabling more people to access this unique benefit.

One example of this approach can be seen at Sanquhar in Dumfries & Galloway, where RES has been appointed to deliver LEDS using community benefit funding from an existing renewable energy project operating in the area. 

Ronnie Johnstone from Sanquhar Community Council said: “The Local Electricity Discount Scheme is now in its third year in The Royal Burgh of Sanquhar and District Community Council area, supporting eligible properties with an electricity meter. It has been very well received and is one of the most talked about and appreciated projects in our area.

“As a community councillor, it has been a pleasure to help deliver support directly through discounts on electricity bills. This has made a real difference to residents, local businesses, churches and others in the community who have been facing financial pressures for some time.”