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
Tell Congress: Support new power plant regulations
Our legislators need to support the EPA’s new rules to slash power plant pollution
Latest News
Virginia electric co-ops fight to keep doors closed to members
Rural electric co-ops were set up as democratic institutions, but have increasingly become unresponsive to their customers, who are also owner-members. In Virginia, members of two co-ops are challenging the status quo.
Revitalizing Ouachita: How One Electric Co-op is Moving Forward
Ouachita Electric Cooperative in Arkansas offers programs that make energy efficiency and high-speed internet accessible and affordable, and is using solar to help grow the local economy and save money. If Ouachita can do it, what’s stopping other electric co-ops from following suit?
Blue Ridge Energy’s solar policies among the worst in Southeast
A new interactive website launched this week by…
Power Play: Countering Electric Utilities’ Political Influence
Public interest groups are building political will to counter electric utilities’ influence in state governments.
The Problem with Monopoly Utilities
Much of America’s energy system still runs like it did in the early 20th century, but times are changing.
Political Energy and Energy Democracy
Appalachian Voices Executive Director Tom Cormons discusses why we need an energy system that works in the best interest of everyday citizens in order to protect our natural areas and our communities.
