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

people installing solar

A policymaker’s guide to fostering community solar development

Pro-solar policy is crucial to bringing clean, renewable energy to Southwest Virginia and Appalachia as a whole.

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Bringing energy democracy to Virginia

A series of presentations and workshops on energy democracy is beginning in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Read more about three events we’re holding in November — we hope to see you there!

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Public opposition in N.C. wins on rate-hike bill despite Duke Energy’s money influence

CONTACTS: Rory McIlmoil, 828-278-4558, rory@appvoices.org Bobby Jones, 919-394-0727,…

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Appalachian Voices files legal challenge of Duke Energy’s rate hike in N.C.

CONTACTS: Greer Ryan, Center for Biological Diversity, 812-345-8571,…

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Electric Utility News From Around the Region

News updates concerning the Tennessee Valley Authority, Duke Energy, Old Dominion Power, Dominion Energy, and local power companies.

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North Carolina and Virginia Announce Clean Energy Goals

The governors of North Carolina and Virginia both announced clean energy goals that include full carbon neutrality in the power generation sector by 2050

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