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
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…
Pushing for Solar Freedom and Utility Accountability in Virginia
Our Virginia team is committed to bringing more accessible renewable energy to the state and lessening the political influence of monopoly utilities like Dominion.
Duke Energy Raises Electricity Rates
The North Carolina Utilities Commission allowed Duke Energy subsidiary Duke Energy Progress to raise its customers’ utility bills in part to pay for state-mandated coal ash cleanup.
Virginia Law Grants Large Utilities Less Regulation
Massive changes in Virginia’s energy policy were signed into law last month, with many legislators crying foul.