Groups sue TVA over never-ending contracts

Appalachian Voices has joined three other organizations in a lawsuit that challenges the Tennessee Valley Authority’s long-term contracts with local power companies. These perpetual contracts undermine the local power companies’ bargaining power to negotiate for cleaner, cheaper electricity.

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Charting paths forward for coal communities

For communities that depended on coal, the pandemic is exacerbating an already-urgent set of interlocking problems. Two regional coalitions have released plans to chart a brighter future for communities hit hardest by the changing coal economy.

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Southwest Virginia seeks partners for solar development

people by solar panel

CONTACT: Adam Wells, Regional Director of Community and Economic Development, adam@appvoices.org, 276-679-1691 Norton, VA — The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia today released a Request for Information (RFI) for a “co-development concept” for commercial-scale solar projects throughout the seven-county coalfield region. The workgroup seeks to enter into an agreement to collaboratively identify, design and develop…

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A movement towards High Country energy democracy

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.

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Southwest Va. groups join in with world’s largest grassroots solar event

CONTACTS: Austin Counts, Appalachian Voices, 276-679-1691, austin@appvoices.org Wise County, Va. – The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia joins the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and hundreds of solar installers and grassroots organizations throughout America to showcase thousands of solar-powered homes, schools and businesses for the 24th Annual National Solar Tour, the world’s largest grassroots…

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Southwest Va. group plans for more solar energy in coal region

CONTACT: Chelsea Barnes New Economy Program Manager Appalachian Voices chelsea@appvoices.org (276) 207-9636 The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia is seeking bids for 12 solar projects totalling 2.73 megawatts of energy generation as part of its Commercial-Scale Group Purchase Program. The projects to be developed on businesses, nonprofits and local government properties across Lee, Scott, Tazewell,…

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