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

Latest News

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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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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Appalachian Power Restricts Solar Savings in Virginia

Public schools and other government entities in Virginia are unable to take advantage of the cost-saving benefits of solar due to restrictive policies put in place by Appalachian Power.

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TVA Stifles Small-Scale Solar in the Tennessee Valley

The Tennessee Valley Authority is ending its home solar program, called Green Power Providers, at the start of 2020.

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Kentucky Agency and Conservationists Fight Proposed Gas Pipeline

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest are fighting a proposed Louisville Gas & Electric natural gas pipeline that would cut through the protected woodland.

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Rate Hike Provision Backed by Duke Energy Fails to Pass NC Legislature

The North Carolina General Assembly removed a controversial provision from a ratemaking bill that would have allowed Duke Energy to enact multi-year rate hikes.

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