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
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Latest News
Solar advocates score victory for schools, localities in APCO territory
CONTACT: Chelsea Barnes, Legislative Director, chelsea@appvoices.org, 276-207-9636 Norton,…
Pushing for democracy in electric co-ops
Communities in Appalachia are starting to make progress reforming their electric co-ops to be more democratic and transparent in their governance.
N.C. Families Contend With Mounting Bills
Faced with the threat of utility disconnection and even eviction in the pandemic, many North Carolinians are forced to decide between essentials.
Good and bad bills in NC legislature
It’s spring, which means the bills coming into the North Carolina legislature are about as thick as the pollen in the air here. Our NC Field Coordinator Josh McClenney gives us a quick preview of the 2021 session.
N.C. Advocates Call for State Action on Rent, Utility Assistance
In March 8 letters to state officials, activists said that hundreds of thousands of struggling families in North Carolina will remain at risk of eviction and utility shut-offs if further action is not taken before the end of the month.
Communities call out Duke Energy’s harmful impacts
People from states served by Duke Energy recently testified before the newly formed, independent People’s Commission that the utility’s record on coal ash, electric rates and other issues is harming communities.