Virginia is one of only seven states that doesn’t protect residents from getting their power or water shut off over unpaid bills during extreme weather. State legislators aim to change that in the 2023 General Assembly session.
Blog Archives
Virginia legislators must take utility shutoff protections seriously this winter
TAGS: disconnection protections energy burden energy justice power bills utility disconnection utility shutoff Virginia General Assembly Water Justice
Can’t stop, won’t stop! Fighting to protect you and the environment at Virginia’s General Assembly
Virginia’s 2022 General Assembly gaveled in on January 12 for two months of legislative wrangling in the crowded halls of the state capitol! We expect to play defense on protecting pivotal laws that tackle the climate crisis, while pushing for progress in key areas. Don’t sit this one out — we need all Virginia hands on deck!
TAGS: clean energy Clean Water energy justice energy transition Environmental Justice general assembly Governor Youngkin shared solar Virginia Virginia General Assembly
NC advocates’ press statement In response to the signing of House Bill 951
Advance Carolina, Appalachian Voices and the Center for Biological Diversity strongly opposed House Bill 951 due in part to the potential for significant cost increases for ratepayers and the potential to give Duke Energy sweeping authority to approve, reject, or modify the NCUC’s carbon reduction plan, potentially delaying or preventing the state from reaching its goals.
Duke Energy-backed bill would raise rates, doesn’t guarantee climate measures
Instead of taking the path outlined by Governor Cooper’s Clean Energy Plan, Duke Energy has continued to work behind closed doors to write legislation that lines the pockets of its shareholders, on the backs of ratepayers, while failing to guarantee that the 70% carbon reductions envisioned in the bill will even be achieved by the 2030 target date.
TAGS: Duke Energy energy justice energy rates low-income ratepayers NC legislature North Carolina ripoff
“Compromise” energy bill will harm North Carolina families and businesses
CONTACT: Molly Moore, Appalachian Voices Editorial Communications Coordinator molly [at] appvoices.org, 847-401-3633 A new version of a bill backed by Duke Energy would pad the pockets of Duke Energy and its shareholders while having crushing financial implications for families and…
Knoxville community groups call for affordable utilities
The Knoxville Water and Energy for All campaign is made up of community and faith groups with a mission to bring solutions to the root problems of unaffordable bills and disconnections in Knoxville.
TAGS: appalachia Appalachian Voices citizen movement Electric Utilities energy democracy energy justice Knoxville racial justice shutoffs Tennessee Utility disconnections utility shutoffs Water
NC groups call for prohibition of all utility shut-offs in state due to covid-19
CONTACT: Al Ripley, Director Consumer, Housing and Energy Project NC Justice Center (919) 274-8245 al@ncjustice.org Rory McIlmoil, Senior Energy Analyst Appalachian Voices (828) 262-3385 rory@appvoices.org RALEIGH — Nearly 30 organizations serving communities across North Carolina sent a letter today commending…
TAGS: coronavirus covid Duke Energy electric co-op Electric Utilities energy justice North Carolina utilities
A movement towards High Country energy democracy
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.
TAGS: blue ridge electric Climate change energy democracy energy justice high country new river light and power North Carolina Renewable Energy Solar
Major win for N.C. clean energy advocates
Appalachian Voices was among the many organizations voicing public opposition in North Carolina to a rate-hike bill despite Duke Energy’s money influence in the state legislature.
Public opposition in N.C. wins on rate-hike bill despite Duke Energy’s money influence
CONTACTS: Rory McIlmoil, 828-278-4558, rory@appvoices.org Bobby Jones, 919-394-0727, bibija@aol.com Today, the North Carolina Senate voted 48-0 to pass a revised version of Senate Bill 559 that the House of Representatives had passed yesterday 112-0. Public opposition to previous versions of…
TAGS: duke Duke Energy EJNC electric bills energy democracy Energy Efficiency energy justice monopoly
