Energy Democracy for All

AV-mountainBorder-flip-white-thin

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.

AV-mountainBorder-white-medium1
Play Video

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

Tell Congress: Support new power plant regulations

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

Latest News

N.C. senators on joint committee reviewing controversial utility bill get top dollar from Duke Energy

CONTACTS: Rory McIlmoil, Appalachian Voices, rory@appvoices.org, 423-433-9415 Jim…

Read More

Response to N.C. House passage of Duke Energy’s rate hike bill

CONTACTS: Cat McCue, 434-293-6373, cat@appvoices.org Josh McClenney, 919-454-1560,…

Read More
woman testifies at public hearing

Old Dominion Power rate proposal would harm Southwest Virginia communities

Old Dominion Power is seeking a massive rate increase, which would increase average residential electricity bills by nearly $29 per month and make it more difficult for Southwest Virginia businesses and residents to access solar power. Now is your chance to speak up!

Read More
pipeline protest

Pipelines Continue to Face Obstacles

As the Mountain Valley Pipeline continues to cause problems and spark protests, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline faces new legal troubles.

Read More

Taking on TVA

Communities are resisting the Tennessee Valley Authority’s frequent cost increases and lack of transparency and clean energy.

Read More

Taking Energy Democracy to the People Through Tours

Alongside partner organizations and concerned citizens, Appalachian Voices launched an Energy Democracy Tour to educate residents in Virginia, North Carolina and the Tennessee Valley on how to take back their electric system from monopoly utilities.

Read More