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
Reforming Virginia’s energy system continues
Virginia lawmakers took a critical step this session in keeping a proposal to end monopoly electric utilities under consideration for 2021.
Duke Energy rate hike hearings underway in North Carolina
Duke Energy is trying yet again to make ratepayers foot the bill for coal ash cleanup and so-called grid-improvement — but time is still left to tell North Carolina ratepayers No More Rate Hikes for Dirty Energy!
Beginning of the end of N.C.’s coal ash crisis
North Carolinians have won a major victory with the announcement that Duke Energy would remove coal ash from its remaining sites. Appalachian Voices is proud to have worked side-by-side with the people who fought so hard, for so long to defend their communities.
The change in Richmond can bring change statewide
Advocates for clean energy, environmental justice and fair electricity pricing are leveraging the shift in political power in Richmond to advance their missions. Here’s some of the bills Appalachian Voices is working on this session.
Momentous win for environmental justice and against pipelines!
Communities and organizations fighting the proposed fracked-gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline celebrated a monumental win for environmental justice this week.
North Carolina, Duke Energy reach historic settlement on coal ash cleanup
Today, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
