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
Latest News
Gov. Cooper should crack down on Duke Energy’s hazards
Recent revelations of collusion between Duke Energy and university scientists regarding coal ash should come as no surprise. Duke is, after all, a notorious corporate polluter on federal probation after pleading guilty to systemic violations of the Clean Water Act.
Hydropower Storage: All it’s pumped up to be?
Recent Virginia legislation has made pumped storage energy projects much more appealing to energy companies — and while Dominion Energy’s proposed project could potentially reuse abandoned mine lands, it could also permanently mar the landscape.
Duke Energy, Professors Collaborate in “Independent” Studies
An investigation by WBTV unveiled possible collusion between Duke Energy and two University of North Carolina at Charlotte professors studying the impact of Duke’s coal ash ponds.
Objecting to Duke’s Proposed Rate Hikes
Appalachian Voices stands in firm opposition to Duke Energy’s proposed rate hikes to pay for their dirty energy.
Taking Legal Action to Clean Up Belews Creek Coal Ash
Thanks to a lawsuit filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center, Duke Energy will have to answer for its illegal coal ash pollution of the Dan River Basin.
Neighbors angered by latest coal ash news about Duke Energy
The latest news over Duke Energy’s handling of the coal ash crisis in North Carolina has many impacted citizens worried – but perhaps not shocked at the utility’s ongoing duplicity on the issue.