Energy Democracy for All

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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.

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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

Tell Congress: Support new power plant regulations

Our legislators need to support the EPA’s new rules to slash power plant pollution

Latest News

Rally for the Valley — Come for the fun, stay for the cause to hold TVA accountable

Residents across the Tennessee Valley are coming together on Sept. 21 in Nashville for the Rally in the Valley — an all-day event to call on the Tennessee Valley Authority to bring clean and affordable energy to the region.

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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.

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Kingston Fossil Plant

Tennessee Valley Authority increases rates again, bringing two-year increase to nearly 10%

Today, the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors approved a 5.25% rate increase for customers of the federal utility.

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Report highlights investments made possible by Rural Energy for America Program

REAP supported more than $1.3 billion in clean…

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Community members, advocates call on North Carolina to reject the air permit application for the Moriah Energy Center

On Thursday, Aug. 1, community members and advocates expressed their opposition to the Moriah Energy Center, a proposed liquefied methane gas storage facility proposed to be built in Rougemont, North Carolina.

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Congress can help Appalachia’s economy and environment by supporting REAP

During the transition to a new energy economy, it’s crucial that all people have an opportunity to benefit from affordable, reliable clean energy, including disadvantaged communities.

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