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
High prices for dirty fuels in Southwest Virginia
Old Dominion Power wants to charge residents more for increasingly expensive fossil fuels, when renewable energy offers a lower-cost alternative. Join us at the State Corporation Commission’s public hearing in Norton, Va., on May 23!
New coalition launches to reform Virginia energy policy
MEDIA CONTACTS Cat McCue, 434-293-6373, cat@appvoices.org Cassady Craighill,…
Coal ash cleanup decision a huge victory for North Carolina!
On April 1, North Carolina announced its decision to require Duke Energy to fully excavate the six remaining coal ash sites across the state — a big victory in the year’s long fight against the energy utility’s negligence.
Campaign to End Duke Energy’s Monopoly in N.C.
North Carolina residents and environmental groups including Appalachian Voices launched the
Energy Justice NC Coalition to promote energy choice and end monopoly control of the state’s utility structure.
Now Hiring!
Appalachian Voices is hiring three new positions to help us achieve our goal of bringing energy democracy to the region!
Duke and Dominion Energy’s Contributions to NC Legislature
The two monopoly utilities contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to North Carolina legislative campaigns in 2018.