The Communication Gap in Energy Transmission Investments

Why It Matters

If policymakers and utilities fail to reframe transmission spending as benefiting residents rather than only industry, crucial grid upgrades could be delayed, raising costs and reliability risks; early, transparent planning can smooth implementation and reduce financial and political friction.

Summary

Speakers say efforts to expand and modernize transmission face a communication gap: with 76% of Americans feeling a cost-of-living squeeze, many hear that new grid investments chiefly serve renewables and data centers, not ordinary consumers. That misperception is fueling public resistance and jeopardizing projects needed for long-term affordability and reliability. Proposed fixes include collaborative, state-led planning frameworks—such as planned energy zones or corridors—that identify suitable transmission areas early and bring communities into the decision process. Advocates argue that transparent, participatory planning can deconflict siting, clarify the likelihood of projects, and better link investments to consumer benefits.

Original Description

Raquel Pichardo, co-founder and managing partner of The Groundwire Group, addresses the communication challenge facing grid investment: while 76% of Americans report being in a cost-of-living crisis, consumers perceive transmission investments as benefiting renewables or data centers rather than themselves.

She proposes collaborative planning frameworks and planned energy zones—state-driven processes that bring communities into transmission planning early, increasing transparency.

Pichardo was speaking at an Atlantic Council event. Watch the full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEwwSzmtoFM