[2] Having evolved from the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company (or HICEC), a subsidiary of Highlands and Islands Enterprise formed in 2004, Community Energy Scotland became an independent entity with a national remit in the summer of 2008.

[5] The charity works closely with its members to develop projects which bring most benefit to their local communities.

[2] The charity also acts as a lobbying organisation with the aim of "ensuring that community energy achieves a high status on Scotland's political agenda".

Many of these renewable energy projects are being undertaken by social enterprises such as development trusts.

[8] The projects supported by Community Energy Scotland include: Since 2005 the annual conference has been held at Inverie, Knoydart; Tarbert, Harris; Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye; Stirling (26–27 August 2009); and Edinburgh (26 October 2010).