One of the most comprehensive field studies of its kind reveals overlooked drivers of resistance—and practical tools to accelerate grid buildout
A new report from GPI presents the most in-depth analysis to date of local perspectives on high-voltage transmission, focused on the Great Plains region. It sheds light on why rural opposition emerges and how it can be addressed. The findings in Lessons Along the Road to Transmission Deployment are based on over 100 in-person interviews conducted across 11 states and 11 high-voltage transmission projects, representing the largest and most geographically diverse study of its kind.
Through six months of on-the-ground field research, GPI interviewed landowners, county commissioners, local officials, and other key stakeholders whose communities are directly impacted by new transmission lines. The report uncovers not only the root causes of local resistance but also actionable best practices that developers, advocates, and policy makers can use to build more trust and reduce delays in grid expansion.
“Expanding transmission is critical for delivering reliable, affordable clean energy, but we won’t succeed if we ignore the voices of the people most impacted,” said Josh Rogers, Energy Systems fellow at GPI and author of the report. “This research reveals not just why opposition happens, but how we can address it more effectively by listening to and engaging with rural communities.”
The report’s key findings include the following:
- A first-of-its-kind framework for understanding opposition across diverse regions.
- Striking knowledge gaps: four out of five county commissioners interviewed did not know how to determine how much tax revenue their county would receive from a transmission line, undermining the perceived local value of projects.
- Real-world testimonials from opponents and supporters, including insights into the rapid spread of misinformation and the positive impact of organized local support.
“This report is a valuable resource for anyone serious about solving the transmission bottleneck,” said Trevor Drake, vice president of Energy Systems at GPI. “We can’t meet our national climate goals or maintain the energy affordability and reliability that powers the American economy without building more transmission, and that means building more trust. Listening to and working alongside rural communities is key to making progress.”
The report is designed for clean energy advocates, developers, regulators, policy makers, and local officials who are navigating the complex challenges of grid expansion. It combines data-driven insights with first-hand community stories to offer a balanced, solutions-oriented approach to one of the biggest barriers to the energy transition.
The full report is available at betterenergy.org/report-lessons-along-the-road-to-transmission/.
On August 5, the report author and other respected experts in the transmission field are hosting a free webinar, open to the public, to discuss the report’s findings and a broader review of the barriers and opportunities to expand transmission deployment. Anyone interested can register online.
