Energy Democracy for All

AV-mountainBorder-flip-white-thin

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.

AV-mountainBorder-white-medium1
Play Video

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

Anna Behnke: A Seventh Grade Activist

By Sarah Kellogg Seventh grader Anna Behnke loves…

Read More

Dewayne Barton: Building Opportunity in West Asheville

By Kimber Ray Dewayne Barton isn’t only referring…

Read More

Bill Howley: Making Electricity Local

By Harrison Dreves In 1974, a trip to…

Read More

Investigation Finds Fraud in Black Lung Cases

By Kimber Ray A year-long investigation revealed evidence…

Read More

Progress and Setbacks for Appalachia’s Environment

Asheville City Council Approves Clean Energy Resolution In…

Read More

More clean energy and less coal ash waste ahead for Asheville

Asheville, N.C., harbors a lively community that has…

Read More