Resources for the Future Announces the Bartlett Center for Electric Power Research

Date

Oct. 22, 2026

News Type

Press Release

As we head into the 75th year of economics and policy research at Resources for the Future (RFF), we are pleased to announce the creation of the Bartlett Center for Electric Power Research, made possible thanks to the generous philanthropy of Jay, Jim, and Dede Bartlett.

The Bartlett Center, which will launch in early 2027, creates a hub that amplifies RFF's long history of exploring questions on electricity generation, transmission, and storage-issues that define ongoing and important conversations about electricity affordability, reliability, and unprecedented demand growth.

The creation of the Bartlett Center reflects more than $12 million in cumulative giving from the Bartlett family. Their longstanding generosity includes a $5 million leadership gift toward RFF's 75th anniversary fundraising campaign, an incredible commitment that brings RFF two-thirds of the way toward its goal of raising $7.5 million in support of its anniversary in 2027. The Bartlett family's support will play a central role in making this milestone year a success, culminating in an anniversary celebration and awards gala in Washington, DC, on October 14, 2027.

"We are incredibly thankful to the Bartletts for their long-standing, unmatched philanthropy and confidence in RFF," Billy Pizer, RFF's president and CEO, said. "Their investments in our organization will help ensure that we have the resources we need to continue our cutting-edge research and policy engagement. Despite upheavals in federal funding that have affected nonprofits and research organizations for the past two years, RFF continues to grow and have impact because of dedicated donors like the Bartletts."

The focus of the center stems in part from Jay Bartlett's expertise and interest in electricity policy. In addition to his tenure at the US Department of Energy, Bartlett has been affiliated with RFF since 2018, serving on RFF's Board of Directors and as a senior advisor since 2024.

"My family and I are proud to support the people at RFF and the important work they do to advance electric power research," said Bartlett. "Having worked closely with the RFF team for almost a decade, I'm confident that RFF is truly advancing the conversation in policy spaces and benefiting Americans. I have full confidence that our gift and the Bartlett Center will only improve RFF's ability to bring independent research to leaders across the country."

Sue Tierney, the chair of RFF's Board of Directors and an expert on electricity economics and policy, said that she is thrilled about the creation of the Bartlett Center. "I've had the pleasure of working with Jay on the board for several years and am blown away by his family's generosity. RFF has long been at the forefront of electricity policy research, but having a dedicated hub for this kind of work will set us apart even more. I'm looking forward to seeing what the talented economists at RFF will do with these resources."

If you are interested in making a gift to RFF, please visit rff.org/donate or email RFF's Vice President for External Affairs, Kristina Gawrgy.

Resources for the Future (RFF) is an independent, nonprofit research institution in Washington, DC. Its mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement. RFF is committed to being the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions leading to a healthy environment and a thriving economy.

Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed here are those of the individual authors and may differ from those of other RFF experts, its officers, or its directors. RFF does not take positions on specific legislative proposals.

For more information, please see our media resources page or contact Media Relations and Communications Manager Annie Tastet.

Related People

Jay Bartlett

Member, RFF Board of Directors; Senior Advisor

Jay Bartlett is a Senior Advisor at RFF where his work focuses on the financial, economic and policy analysis for the Electric Power Program.

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