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

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Latest News

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.

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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.

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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.

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North Carolina, Duke Energy reach historic settlement on coal ash cleanup

Today, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

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Duke Energy rate hike hearings 2020

After our victory on North Carolina’s Senate Bill 559, Duke Energy is yet again asking the state regulators for permission to raise the rates it charges families and businesses.

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human formation of a sun and 100% clean power

Seeking a Path to 100% Clean Energy

Localities across Appalachia and the nation have pledged to fully convert to green power — but restrictive policies and monopoly utilities are holding them back.

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