Grantee Profile
Meridian Institute
Location matters—particularly when determining the sites of the transmission lines (above or below ground) that will create a new US power infrastructure. This revamped electrical system could have a profound impact on the ability of the United States to reduce carbon dependence, improve energy efficiency and security, and enhance resilience to climate change. But first, a variety of (often opposing) entities, both public and private, must come together to decide where transmission lines should be located to create the most effective US power grid. In the Meridian Institute, the Rockefeller Foundation found an ideal partner to help navigate this uncharted territory.
Widely recognized for its ability to develop solutions to complex problems involving multiple stakeholders, Meridian works at the local, national and international levels. Over the years, this institute has designed and facilitated a broad range of dialogues and negotiations on issues directly related to poverty reduction, sustainable forest management, agriculture and climate change.
The Foundation has a long history of partnering with Meridian. As lead organizer for the US Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), Meridian convened a powerful coalition of environmental groups and leading private corporations, with a mission to produce and implement effective and mandatory cap-and-trade legislation in the United States. Given its success with the USCAP, Meridian was uniquely well-positioned to lead the Foundation’s Smart National Power Grid efforts to address national electricity needs.
What type of decision-making and thinking can help create a smart energy policy? How do we plan? What innovative ideas are generated by disparate groups? With the help of the Foundation, Meridian began to answer these questions as they explored solutions for the timely planning and siting of transmission lines—whether related to policy, regulatory or technological issues.
