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
Disrupting the Status Quo and Putting People and Planet First
We are committed to disrupting a status quo designed to line the pockets of the government-protected utility monopolies who have been calling the shots. We are citizens demanding a system that puts people and the planet first.
North Carolina Orders Coal Ash Cleanup, Duke Appeals
North Carolina ordered Duke Energy to fully excavate the coal ash at its six remaining coal ash sites across the state, prompting an appeal from the monopoly utility.
New Coalition Aims to Reform Energy Policy in Virginia
In early May, we joined eight other organizations representing a wide range of public policy ideologies to introduce the Virginia Energy Reform Coalition aimed at lowering prices and increasing choices for ratepayers while improving the environment.
Progress on Coal Ash in North Carolina
On April 1, we celebrated the welcome news that the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality ordered Duke Energy to excavate the six coal ash sites in the state that did not already have cleanup plans in place.
Bill Supported by Duke Energy Could Lead to Rate Hikes
Duke Energy is backing a North Carolina bill that could allow the monopoly utility to raise rates with reduced oversight – and an April report shows that Duke targeted its campaign contributions to key legislators involved with the bill.
Virginians For Justice: Progress Not Pipelines!
Several hundred people from across Virginia turned out for a weekend of solidarity for environmental justice and climate action and to call for a halt to expanding fracked-gas infrastructure anywhere in the state.
