Atlanta-based blackEnergy arose from electrical engineer Sonja Ebron’s concerns about rising utility rates in African-American communities. Taking advantage of energy deregulation, Ebron organized consumers into groups that bargained collectively with providers, allowing them to receive better services and lower rates for natural gas and electricity. The original program quickly grew beyond its Atlanta roots as energy buying groups appeared in other deregulated markets.
Ebron’s vision transcends utility rates per se. The company helps supporters purchase energy-efficient products and provides information on carbon offsets, solar cooking, and other innovations, as well as education packets exploring conservation and the business of energy. Perhaps more importantly, blackEnergy returns a portion of each bill to nonprofit groups that serve African-American communities, such as Cool Girls, the housing program Labor of Love Ministry, and the Apex Museum.
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. Historian Shae Davidson's research interests include public policy and the relationship between culture and civil society. His publications range from articles on industrial history to absurdist poetry.
