In North Carolina, electricity rates are set through a "give and take" process that ultimately favors Duke Energy and its shareholders, and harms lower-income families. That's got to change. [ Read More ]
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Rory McIlmoil
Rory is an energy policy and finance wonk with over a decade of experience working on energy policy and planning in Appalachia. He joined Appalachian Voices in spring 2013 as Energy Policy Director to head up our Energy Savings for Appalachia program. His dog, Hobo, is our official Boone office mascot.Duke Energy rate hike harms low-income families
Monday, June 21st, 2021 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
NC Utility Customers: Know your rights and resources
Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
We put together a resource guide for residents in North Carolina who are in danger of having vital water and electric services disconnected during the pandemic. [ Read More ]
NC should order “no shut offs” for all utilities during pandemic
Friday, March 20th, 2020 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
Appalachian Voices and other groups are calling on North Carolina leaders to order no shut-offs of electricity, water and other critical public services during Coronavirus emergency. [ Read More ]
The burden of rural home energy costs
Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
Rural households spend 40% more of their income on energy costs than households in metropolitan areas, according to a new report. Our executive director explains how rural electric cooperatives could help families alleviate that burden through energy efficiency. [ Read More ]
Blue Ridge Energy: An uncooperative cooperative?
Friday, July 6th, 2018 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | 2 Comments
As a resident of the North Carolina High Country and a member of Blue Ridge Energy, Appalachian Voices' Rory McIlmoil believes the co-op can and must do better by its members. [ Read More ]
TVA’s “New Pricing Paradigm” is a bad deal for communities and clean energy
Thursday, March 8th, 2018 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
Appalachian Voices attended TVA's February board meeting to oppose rate reforms that would burden on low-income residents and thwart future investments in clean energy. [ Read More ]
High winter energy bills got you down?
Thursday, February 8th, 2018 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
Thousands of families see their energy costs skyrocket in winter, leaving many struggling to pay their bills. Here's a basic overview of electric bills and how energy use translates to the balance you see on your bill. [ Read More ]
Get to know the Energy Savings team and what drives our work
Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
Our Energy Savings campaign works to expand energy efficiency and empower members of electric cooperatives. Learn about our campaign and why each member of our team is passionate about this work. [ Read More ]
Energy Savings progress in 2017 provides momentum for 2018
Thursday, December 7th, 2017 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
From community resolutions to Pay As You Save, 2017 has been quite the year for the Energy Savings for Appalachia campaign. Read about our campaign this year and find out how you can get involved! [ Read More ]
Got 90 seconds? Learn how your electric utility can save you money and energy
Monday, May 22nd, 2017 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | 2 Comments
What if your home could be fixed up so that you’re cool in the middle of summer, warm in winter, and you have more money every year for things you need? See our new 90-second video and learn how.
[ Read More ]
French Broad communities broadly support on-bill financing
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
Our recent “French Broad Community Energy Forum” in western North Carolina brought together more than 60 residents and representatives of local government, community service agencies, and businesses to learn and talk about the advantages of providing upfront financing for residents to make home energy efficiency improvements. [ Read More ]
Energy efficiency success in western N.C.
Friday, May 6th, 2016 | Posted by Rory McIlmoil | No Comments
We're taking a moment to step back and celebrate a significant milestone in our Energy Savings for Appalachia program. Just a few days ago, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp. launched a financing program that enables eligible members to make energy efficient home improvements now, and repay the co-op on their monthly bills over time. It's a win-win for residents, local economies and the environment. [ Read More ]
