Energy Democracy for All
Energy Democracy is local people having control of how their electricity is produced and distributed to ensure everyone has access to affordable and clean power.
Two decades into the 21st century, advances in solar panels, battery storage, modernized electric grids and other technologies are revolutionizing how our electricity can be produced and distributed. But large utility companies with monopoly control over the market — such as Duke Energy and Dominion Energy — are keeping us locked into using increasingly expensive polluting fuels like coal and fracked gas to generate our electricity.
At the same time, the increasing impacts of global climate change, including dangerous heat waves and severe storms, are taking a toll on countless communities, but especially disadvantaged communities and communities of color. And monopoly utility companies charge ever higher rates while they knowingly continue to worsen the climate crisis.
But a movement toward Energy Democracy is growing across Appalachia and throughout the country. Local individuals and groups are standing up to demand a seat at the table with decision makers to ensure we transition to a system that is affordable and fair, provides community wealth and jobs, and is built on clean, renewable energy.
Why Energy Democracy?
Learn how monopoly control and a focus on profit have locked us in a pattern of polluting fossil fuels and ever higher rates
State-Specific Info
Tell Congress: Support new power plant regulations
Our legislators need to support the EPA’s new rules to slash power plant pollution
Latest News
Russell County Solar Open House invitation to community members
The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia and Energy Right are hosting a solar open house for residents of Russell County and surrounding counties.
Biden-Harris administration announces multi-billion dollar investment in clean energy for rural communities
Rural electric cooperatives in Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania are among the first round of 16 recipients of $7.3 billion in financing for clean energy initiatives through the Empowering Rural America, or New ERA, program.
Community Outcry in Person County: Concerns rise over proposed liquefied methane storage facility
Community members in Person County, North Carolina, and surrounding counties voiced concerns about the Moriah Energy Center — a liquefied methane gas storage facility proposed by Dominion Energy — during a public hearing on Aug. 1.
Report highlights investments made possible by Rural Energy for America Program
REAP supported more than $1.3 billion in clean…