Front Porch Blog
Virginia legislators must take utility shutoff protections seriously this winter
Virginia is one of only seven states that doesn’t protect residents from getting their power or water shut off over unpaid bills during extreme weather. State legislators aim to change that in the 2023 General Assembly session.
Read MoreGuest blog: Electric co-ops need to remember the importance of affordability for their members
Blue Ridge Energy has a co-op principle on their website that states, “Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.” I don’t know about you, but I have never been asked to help set policy or make decisions regarding my energy that I am paying for.
Read MoreCreating community-informed economies in the coalfields
The listening session process raises the exciting possibility of building new communal systems that support the workforce and create equitable opportunities for Southwest Virginians.
Read MoreFor Appalachian communities, the 117th Congress brought significant victories, but work remains
As the new Congress begins, we at Appalachian Voices are taking stock of the many victories achieved in the 117th Congress that just came to a close.
Read MorePower outages and rolling blackouts hit Appalachia and the Southeast during winter storm
During this weekend’s unusually low temperatures, people whose power is produced by the Tennessee Valley Authority and Duke Energy have experienced coordinated, rolling electricity blackouts to reduce electricity demand and prevent major grid outages that could take days or weeks to restore.
Read MoreCrowded lame duck session in D.C. brings dangers and opportunities for Appalachian communities
With just a few weeks remaining in this session of Congress, we’re fighting one alarming bill, working to pass two positive measures, and urging the Senate to confirm key appointments. Our Legislative Director Chelsea Barnes shares what’s happening on Capitol Hill.
Read MoreNew Virginia task force to host listening sessions and support community engagement
A state agency is taking the exciting step of holding listening sessions in Southwest Virginia to solicit local input on how the commonwealth can support the region’s economic future.
Read MoreNorth Carolina Utilities Commission should make the right decision on Duke’s Carbon Plan
Why do legislators and those who blindly accept Duke’s promises act surprised when vague commitments around affordability result in ratepayers getting the short end of the stick? Why do they feign surprise when Duke Energy suggests missing a timeline they set for themselves? Why do they pretend to be shocked when years of advocacy and “compromise” result in a utility cherry-picking what they want, robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Read MoreMonitoring air quality across Appalachia
After a decade of focusing on water pollution from coal mining, Appalachian Voices’ coal impacts team is embarking on an ambitious project to monitor air pollution in communities impacted by coal mining and other fossil fuel infrastructure, and in other communities where air quality is an environmental justice concern.
Read MoreThe choice for North Carolina’s energy future: high rates or renewable energy?
I live in Duke Energy Progress territory, covering the eastern part of North Carolina and South Carolina along with a little patch in western North Carolina including Buncombe County. Soon, Duke Energy Progress plans to raise our rates, and I’m not sure it’s justified.
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