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
Achieving Clean Energy Goals: A Note From Our Executive Director
Appalachian Voices’ Executive Director Tom Cormons speaks on overcoming barriers to clean energy in our region.
Advancing Clean Power and Energy Democracy in State Legislatures
Appalachian Voices and our partners and working to dismantle barriers to Energy Democracy and make clean energy accessible to people across our region.
Moving Forward on TN Energy Democracy
During the 2019 Tennessee Valley Energy Democracy Tour, Appalachian Voices and our partners heard loud and clear what community members want from their utilities. Now, we’re working to put that into action.
Fossil fuels in Virginia
In a letter to the editor of the New York Times, Appalachian Voices’ Executive Director Tom Cormons says the 2019 election for state legislative offices is a clear mandate for energy utility reform in Virginia.
Re-envisioning public power in the Tennessee Valley
The 2019 Tennessee Valley Energy Democracy Tour is a listening project to begin building a grassroots vision for our energy future by asking communities impacted by the Tennessee Valley Authority what they want.
Major win for N.C. clean energy advocates
Appalachian Voices was among the many organizations voicing public opposition in North Carolina to a rate-hike bill despite Duke Energy’s money influence in the state legislature.
