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
Blue Ridge Energy: An uncooperative cooperative?
As a resident of the North Carolina High Country and a member of Blue Ridge Energy, Appalachian Voices’ Rory McIlmoil believes the co-op can and must do better by its members.
Clean water advocates ask court, Corps to halt Atlantic Coast Pipeline
RICHMOND, VA – The coalition of clean water…
Duke Energy’s grid modernization pilot still shortchanges ratepayers
Appalachian Voices and our allies are raising concerns related to the process and substance behind Duke Energy’s grid modernization pilot.
Solar Advocates Lose N.C. Court Case
In May, the North Carolina Supreme Court upheld a Duke Energy-backed ruling that nonprofit group NC WARN violated the law by installing solar panels on and selling power to a Greensboro church.
Blocking an Energy Monopoly Move
Virginia rejected a Dominion Energy proposal that would have eliminated competition for selling renewable energy to large commercial customers.
Citizens boycott N.C. coal ash meeting
Greensboro, N.C. — Members of a statewide coalition…