Energy
Affordable, Safe, and Renewable Energy for All
Energy use is the leading cause of human-caused climate change, accounting for over 75% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the world. Energy touches everything, from the vehicle you use to get to work to how you keep the lights on in your home.
C3 fights for solutions that equitably expand renewable energy, increase energy efficiency and affordability, and reduce emissions in the communities we serve.
Learn more about our work below!
RENEWABLE ENERGY
To address the climate crisis, we must replace fossil fuel-powered energy with renewable sources like solar. Deploying clean energy rapidly, responsibly, and equitably is a critical part of meeting our climate goals and ensuring that all people - regardless of income or background - have safe and affordable energy in the places they live, work, and play.
C3 works to provide every sector of our community, including decision-makers, businesses, nonprofits, and residents, with the tools they need to accelerate renewable energy development and installation in an equitable way.
Check out our campaigns and and ongoing work below!
ENERGY BURDEN AND AFFORDABILITY
C3 believes every person should have access to affordable energy that meets their needs, regardless of income level. Our organization works to support policies, programs, and incentives that reduce people’s energy bills and improve the health and efficiency of their homes.
As of summer 2025, C3 has completed energy burden studies in Charlottesville, Richmond, and Albemarle County to analyze energy burden and its drivers at a local level, seeking to understand the relationship between energy and housing affordability. Based on our findings, we produced recommendations for municipalities across areas of energy, housing, zoning, and health.
Check out our energy burden research, videos, and resources below!
Watch our webinar on energy burden in Virginia!
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Energy efficiency means using less energy to get something done, such as heating a home, lighting a room, or powering a fridge. Many products, appliances, and buildings use more energy than necessary, leading to increased pollution and energy bills. Improvements in energy efficiency enhance health and quality of life for residents, for example, by maintaining comfortable temperatures and addressing moisture issues such as mold.
C3 advocates for energy efficiency through research, advocacy, outreach, and providing climate services and consultation to small businesses and nonprofits.
Check out our services and campaigns below!
C3 Climate Services Manager, Jacqui Bauer, presenting to seniors at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church about energy efficiency.
FIGHTING FOSSIL FUELS
C3 fights against the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure through our advocacy and policy work, ranging from working to decarbonize local utilities to opposing new gas plants. Low-income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities bear a disproportionate burden of environmental harms and health impacts caused by fossil fuel infrastructure. We push municipalities to reimagine their energy systems and reinvest money and resources into safe and renewable energy that benefits people and the planet.
Check out our ongoing campaigns below!
C3 Policy Manager Sadhbh O’Flynn with Fluvanna residents protesting a proposed gas plant in the County.
Energy Resource Hub
In February 2025, The Community Climate Collaborative in partnership with Albemarle County, The City of Charlottesville, and the Local Alliance Energy Program (LEAP) launched a new Energy Resource Hub to connect homeowners, renters, and businesses in the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County with government rebates and incentives.
The Energy Resource Hub provides support with the following incentives:
Rebates for energy-efficient appliances, HVAC systems, and weatherization.
Incentives for solar installation.
Tax credits for EV purchases and home EV charger installation.
Tax credits for energy efficiency home upgrades.
Rebates for businesses installing EV chargers