energy democracy Archives < Page 6 of 12

NC governor extends moratorium on utility shutoffs during Covid crisis

By Cat McCue | May 30, 2020 |

CONTACT: Al Ripley, Director, NC Justice Center, Director of Housing, Consumer and Energy Project, 919-274-8245 Rory McIlmoil, Appalachian Voices, Senior Energy Analyst, 828-266-1500 Tyler Fitch, Vote Solar, Southeast Regulatory Manager; Press contact Hilary Lewis, 202-455-0361 Luis Martinez, Natural Resources Defense Council, Senior Attorney and Director Southeast Energy; Press contact Maria Michalos, 631-848-1588 N.C. Governor Roy…

Belong to an electric co-op? Your vote is needed!

By Emily Piontek | May 19, 2020 |

Most rural folks rely on electric co-ops for their power, and as “member-owners,” they vote on board members who decide everything from rates to whether clean energy is part of their energy source.

Groups urge expansion of NC utility shutoff moratorium during Covid-19

By Cat McCue | May 19, 2020 |

CONTACT: Rory McIlmoil, Sr. Energy Analyst, Appalachian Voices, rory@appvoices.org, (423) 433-9415 Maria Michalos, Eastern Regional Communications Manager, Natural Resources Defense Council, mmichalos@nrdc.org, (631) 848-1588 Al Ripley, Director, Consumer, Housing and Energy Project, NC Justice Center, al@ncjustice.org, (919) 274-8245 Hilary Lewis, Communications Director, Vote Solar, hilary@votesolar.org, (202) 455-0361 *NOTE: The letter to the governor was updated…

Energy Burden in a Pandemic

By Kevin Ridder | May 15, 2020 |

Many families in Appalachia already struggled with high energy bills — and COVID-19 is making it even worse.

Utilities must suspend service disconnections and waive late fees

By Kevin Ridder | March 30, 2020 |

public utility and state responses to Covid-19

Millions of Americans have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They should not have to worry about having their power or water turned off as a result.

Finally, Virginia lawmakers heed public’s call for clean energy

By Peter Anderson | March 20, 2020 |

After years of advocacy by Appalachian Voices and many others, the Virginia legislature 2020 session produced bold measures that will move us toward a cleaner, more equitable energy economy — but there is work left to do.

A movement towards High Country energy democracy

By AV's Intern Team | March 19, 2020 |

150 people gathered for a group photo with a banner saying "Our time to rise."

More than 150 people gathered in February to discuss what their local energy utilities should be doing to address the climate crisis and create renewable energy jobs in the NC High Country. Transparency from our utilities and participation in decision-making is even more important as we face the current pandemic.

It’s Not Your Imagination — Utilities Are Seeking More Rate Increases

By Kevin Ridder | February 25, 2020 |

chart showing U.S. Electricity rate cases filed with utility regulators from 1980-2018

Utilities may be requesting more rate hikes, but more and more legislators are refusing utility money, and communities continue to protest rate hikes.