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
Virginia Approves Dominion Solar Pilot Program
Dominion Energy’s pilot program will allow ratepayers to to receive all or part of their electricity from Virginia solar farms for an additional cost.
Legal Challenges Against Pipelines Heat Up
Federal and state courts alike have partially halted the construction of fracked gas pipelines across the region as cases are decided and permits are reevaluated.
Tell Virginia’s Governor to Plan for Clean Energy
Virginia is drafting a state energy plan, so it’s time to tell Gov. Northam that we should work to replace an outdated, fossil-fuel based economy with a sustainable, clean energy economy
N.C. Solar Developers Lose Challenge to Duke
The North Carolina Utilities Commission denied requests to review conditions for battery storage Duke Energy inserted into power-purchase agreements for 680 megawatts of new solar projects.
N.C. Slashes Duke Energy Carolinas Rate Hike
North Carolina regulators denied Duke Energy Carolinas’ request to enact a 13.6 percent overall rate hike, instead approving a 0.3 percent increase for residential customers for four years before rates rise.
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.