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
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Latest News
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,…
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!
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.
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.
Competitive Electric Cooperative Election in Virginia
Three reform candidates are challenging incumbent Rappahannock Electric Cooperative board members and are pledging to revise co-op policies around transparency and renewable energy if elected in August.