Community-owned
renewable energy

AIRE educates about, advocates for, and develops community-owned renewable energy in Appalachia.

AIRE was formed out of the growing concerns for global warming, peak oil, and regional energy issues, and the unsustainable trends in economic growth and consumption. We are promoting a renewable energy economy that is characterized by citizen-based decisions, environmental appropriateness, supportive public policy, and community-based ownership/benefits.

The energy crisis cannot be overwhelmed by more energy inputs. It can only be dissolved, along with the illusion that well-being depends on the number of energy slaves a man has at his command. For this purpose, it is necessary to identify the thresholds beyond which power corrupts, and to do so by a political process that associates the community in the search for limits.
Ivan Illich
Organizational & Financial Capacity
Create a dynamic and functioning organization with the skills and resources necessary to sustain AIRE’s mission and operational objectives.
Community Outreach
Engage and inform about the economic, social, and environmental benefits of community-owned renewable energy and energy conservation.
Policy Research & Education
Create and defend supportive renewable energy public policies at all levels of government. Current priorities: clarify NC "Ridge Law", County Wind Energy Ordinances, Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards, Inclining Block Electric Utility Rate Structure.
Develop Renewable Energy Projects
Facilitating the development of renewable energy projects that are envisioned, planned, installed, and owned by local communities to provide for the sustainable environmental, economic, and energy benefits to the community. Current focus: Community Wind (small-up to 20KW, and medium- up to 100KW); Solarizing Appalachian Towns; Energy Conservation.
Sustainable Economic Development
Utilize the creation of a community-based RE infrastructure projects that will stimulate sustainable economic development in Appalachia.