We have launched a public consultation on proposals to create a South of Scotland Standard for Community Benefits from onshore wind.

The consultation is part of the Better Benefit project, which seeks to ensure communities consistently receive the highest standard of community benefit from renewable energy developments. 

Our aim is to encourage the adoption of best practice as the norm across every community in Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders.

Why this matters 

Independent analysis by BiGGAR Economics shows that onshore wind community benefit has delivered around £30million to South of Scotland communities to date, with up to £900m potentially flowing over the next 35 years - almost 30 times what has been received so far.  

There is significant national consideration of the future of community benefits arrangements through the Scottish Government's review of the existing voluntary Good Practice Principles, and the UK Government consulting this year on a potential mandatory scheme. 

With ambitious national targets for future energy generation from renewables, it’s never been more important to maximise the benefits communities are offered.

What we are proposing 

The draft South of Scotland Standard includes nine key principles: 

  • High-quality community engagement from first point of contact 
  • A standardised minimum payment of £5,000 per installed MW per year (index-linked) 
  • Transparency and accountability 
  • Local flexibility in how funds are used 
  • Investing in community capacity 
  • Contractual security for agreements 
  • Tackling barriers to shared ownership 
  • Retrospectivity for older agreements 
  • A voluntary charter mark for developers

We are also asking whether these principles should apply to other technologies.

You can read the full discussion document by clicking here. 

Your voice matters  

This is your opportunity to help shape the future of community benefit in the South of Scotland. We want as many organisations and residents as possible to take part and help us get this right.

How to take part 

The consultation is open until 5pm on Monday 16 February 2026. 

Click here to share your views.

Alternative formats are available on request: community.benefits@sose.scot