Energy Democracy for All

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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.

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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

Tell Congress: Support new power plant regulations

Our legislators need to support the EPA’s new rules to slash power plant pollution

Latest News

Duke Energy Seeks Another Rate Hike for North Carolina Customers

Duke Energy subsidiary Duke Energy Carolinas requested to raise the rates of its residential customers by 16.7 percent. The request would shift onto customers the cost of cleaning up millions of tons of toxic coal ash.

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Duke Energy coal ash pollution in Dan River Basin prompts citizens’ step toward Federal Court

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – On behalf of Appalachian…

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Va. foes of Atlantic Coast Pipeline applaud N.C. delay, urge Gov. McAuliffe to likewise seek more information

CONTACT: Cat McCue, Appalachian Voices, cat@appvoices.org, 434-293-6373 VIRGINIA…

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Duke Energy wants to raise your power bill

Duke Energy is asking the North Carolina Utilities Commission for approval to raise rates for its residential customers by more than 16 percent. But North Carolinians are already paying the cost for Duke Energy’s mess.

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Third Coal Ash Recycling Site Announced in NC

Duke Energy plans to follow state law and construct a third coal ash recycling plant in Moncure, N.C.

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The fight against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is not over

As expected, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently gave a glowing review to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, overlooking the threats to wetlands, forest, drinking waters and indigenous populations along the pipeline’s proposed route.

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