Written by Brianna Knisley
Brianna Knisley
Originally from southern Ohio, Bri has been organizing with communities in Tennessee since joining Appalachian Voices in 2017. She enjoys foraging, growing things and bringing fancy desserts to porch sits.
Re-envisioning public power in the Tennessee Valley
The 2019 Tennessee Valley Energy Democracy Tour is a listening project to begin building a grassroots vision for our energy future by asking communities impacted by the Tennessee Valley Authority what they want.
Tennessee “Energy Democracy Tour” gathers community input
The Tennessee Valley Energy Democracy Tour will hold its final stop in Claxton, Tenn., on Oct. 21. At more than 10 tour stops, community members discussed the impacts of TVA’s energy system and shared their visions for the future.
Virginia electric co-ops fight to keep doors closed to members
Rural electric co-ops were set up as democratic institutions, but have increasingly become unresponsive to their customers, who are also owner-members. In Virginia, members of two co-ops are challenging the status quo.
Grassroots campaign draws historic crowd to East Tennessee electric co-op’s annual meeting
On Sept. 15, more than 1,200 members of Powell Valley Electric Cooperative gathered for the co-op’s annual meeting as the group PVEC Member Voices led a grassroots campaign promoting transparency, member involvement and environmental stewardship.
PVEC member voices need to be heard on Sept. 15
Powell Valley Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting is coming up — and now, more than ever, member voices need to be heard.
New TVA rate structure likely to harm low-income families
TVA’s new “Grid Access Charge” will reduce both local power companies’ and end users’ ability to control their monthly energy costs.
Six lives a day: Energy efficiency could result in tremendous public health benefits
A recent report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy highlights why energy efficiency should be a key part of the conversation about public health.
A conversation about co-ops
Electric co-op members in Cumberland Gap learn their rights in a special community forum by our Energy Savings for Appalachia team.
Energized by Efficiency: SOCM members and their dedication to reducing energy waste
Over the last two years, SOCM’s Cumberland County Chapter has advocated for on-bill financing program for energy efficiency at their electric co-op, Volunteer Energy Cooperative.
More water pollution from the Kingston coal plant?
This week, Tennessee officials are reviewing the renewal of a water discharge permit for Kingston, Tenn. coal-fired power plant that spilled 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash in 2008 — but the new draft permit makes no improvements toward protecting public waters.
