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
1,000 days on bottled water
Last week marked the 1,000th day that hundreds of families in North Carolina have had to use nothing but bottled water for drinking, cooking and bathing because their well water is likely contaminated by one of Duke Energy’s leaking coal ash ponds.
Coalition sues Va. water board over Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Richmond, VA –A coalition of community and conservation…
Make a difference in N.C. in the new year!
Duke Energy is seeking a damaging rate hike of nearly 17% that would hit low-income folks the hardest and lower incentives for solar and energy efficiency — all while forcing ratepayers to cover the cost of Duke’s coal ash mistakes. Show up and speak out!
Despite vigorous opposition, Virginia water board approves conditional permit for Atlantic Coast Pipeline
CONTACT: Cat McCue, Director of Communications, 434-293-6373, cat@appvoices.org…
Gov. Cooper should crack down on Duke Energy’s hazards
Recent revelations of collusion between Duke Energy and university scientists regarding coal ash should come as no surprise. Duke is, after all, a notorious corporate polluter on federal probation after pleading guilty to systemic violations of the Clean Water Act.
Hydropower Storage: All it’s pumped up to be?
Recent Virginia legislation has made pumped storage energy projects much more appealing to energy companies — and while Dominion Energy’s proposed project could potentially reuse abandoned mine lands, it could also permanently mar the landscape.
