Generating power for 400 homes and funding development in the community

The Lochaber Times recently featured LEG Power in a news article recapping the impact the scheme has had in the local community since its launch in 2022.

LEG Power is now generating enough clean electricity to power 400 homes. As well as making an annual payment to the Ballachulish Community Company, funding from the hydro scheme has helped to create a new paid role for Lochaber Environment Group (LEG). Fiona Tinnion has been recruited as part-time Development Manager, to increase the impetus to more sustainable living for Lochaber people.

LEG Power Director Marian Austin said “The payment to Ballachulish benefits the local community, the funding of the part-time manager’s post is already enabling LEG to consolidate and expand its environmental work throughout Lochaber, and generating green energy reduces our reliance on fossil fuels and lessens the emissions of greenhouse gases. It’s a green thing that means we can do more green things.”.

Marian also highlighted the value of LEG Power funding compared with short-term grants with strict requirements: “The public funding we receive is often short-term and limited to a particular environmental project. It doesn’t usually cover any management time and only limited overheads… it is frustrating when the funding for a development officer ends and the hard-won momentum is lost as the volunteer board has limited capacity to carry on. The ability to fund a more permanent post will help to overcome this problem.”

You can read the full article from the Lochaber Times here: https://legpower.coop/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LEG-Power-Lochaber-Times.pdf