Meguire Whitney

Meguire Whitney, a group of trusted advisors, represents public power cooperatives and not-for-profit electric utilities before Congress and various executive branch agencies. Based in Washington, D.C., the company assists community-focused organizations in developing compelling messages and strategies to influence policymakers and securing favorable outcomes on Capitol Hill. By fostering relationships, offering strategic counsel and enhancing communication, Meguire Whitney ensures client success regardless of the political climate.

Specializing in not-for-profit utility business models, Meguire Whitney addresses sector-specific issues and helps clients collaborate with organizations nationwide despite their local focus. The company strengthens its clients' relationships with local congressional representatives by emphasizing their roles as community leaders. It actively communicates with coalitions and trade associations to amplify clients’ voices and nurture collaboration. This strategy, pioneered by its predecessor firm, Morgan Meguire, empowers even smaller delegations to efficiently synchronize their efforts on a national scale. “We are our client’s eyes and ears in Washington, and we ensure that we thoroughly understand their interests down to the finest detail,” states Elizabeth K. Whitney, managing principal at Meguire Whitney.

The firm’s advisors bring firsthand experience from their tenures with Congress members, providing unique insights into legislative processes and decision-making. Principal Ryan Serote, a standout on the team, has devoted much of his career to specializing in western resources and water issues, a niche in which few lobbyists excel. Serote's profound understanding of federal hydropower statutes and resource allocation, combined with his experience on Capitol Hill and in roles within the Interior Department, equips him with invaluable expertise.

Leveraging the team’s extensive expertise, Meguire Whitney plays a pivotal role in helping national coalitions define their stances, educate Congressional staff on critical legislation and inform clients about the policy shifts. Through regular communication and information exchange, the firm identifies client-specific issues and provides proactive support to assist clients in devising effective strategies and upholding their core values. The firm enhances client impact in coalitions and trade associations through tailored engagement, strategic alliances and communication strategies.

Meguire Whitney assists clients beyond lobbying, as well. For instance, following the enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the firm recognized the need to support grant writing among its clients. It immediately assembled a dedicated team to ensure the clients effectively compete for funding. Consequently, the company’s grants team was able to expand and has acquired over $50 million in grants for its clients.

A standout instance of Meguire Whitney's exceptional performance is how it encouraged its clients' collective action within the utility sector to contest stringent conservation standards for distribution transformers. Despite a nationwide shortage of transformers and crucial electric equipment, the Department of Energy proposed a new energy efficiency rule that required manufacturers to re-tool their facilities to produce transformers with amorphous core steel, potentially exacerbating supply chain issues. In response, Meguire Whitney clients raised awareness and challenged the rule. Numerous legislative proposals were introduced and clients submitted comments on the regulation and responded to requests under the Defense Production Act concerning transformer supplies. Meguire Whitney played a pivotal role by coordinating meetings and other correspondence between its clients, key Congress figures and the Department of Energy to highlight the severity of the supply chain challenges. This collective effort contributed to the rule being finalized in a significantly less restrictive form.

Regardless of legislative intricacies and sector-specific challenges, Meguire Whitney supports not-for-profit electric utilities with expert guidance and dedicated advocacy. Drawing from the legacy of its predecessor, the firm continues to offer a seamless continuity that clients deeply value. This transition has not only preserved but also enhanced a representation model that has proven effective for its clients over the years.

Meguire Whitney not only navigates but shapes the legislative landscape according to its clients’ unique requirements. Through its continual utilization of collective expertise and strategic insights, Meguire Whitney remains poised to effectively advocate for its clients, ensuring that even the smallest utility providers can amplify their voice and influence on a national level.