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
Clean Energy That Leaves No One Behind
Listen in on a conversation about the importance of equity in clean energy with Appalachian Voices’ Deputy Executive Director Kate Boyle.
Lawsuits Against Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast Pipelines Ramp Up
Pipeline developers continue to be met with opposition from landowners, environmental groups, legislators and more.
It’s Not Your Imagination — Utilities Are Seeking More Rate Increases
Utilities may be requesting more rate hikes, but more and more legislators are refusing utility money, and communities continue to protest rate hikes.
Beginning of the End of North Carolina’s Coal Ash Crisis
The multi-year fight to clean up Duke Energy’s toxic coal ash pits in North Carolina has been difficult — but community advocates scored a major victory in January when the state ordered the monopoly utility to excavate its remaining ash landfills.
No Rate Hikes for Dirty Energy!
Show up to a public hearing or email North Carolina regulators and tell them to stop Duke Energy’s latest rate hike!
Celebrating a Coal Ash Win in N.C.
We celebrated a major victory alongside residents living near Duke Energy’s North Carolina coal ash pits in January when the state ordered the monopoly utility to clean up their mess.
