Germantown, Maryland-based startup Whisker Labs has introduced a free tool providing real-time alerts for power outages and electrical fires, often before utilities are even aware.
The startup uses a network of smart home sensors across the country, allowing anyone to access outage information through the Ting app without needing their own device.
“This data is one of a kind,” CEO Bob Marshall told Technical.ly. “Utilities don’t even know, for the most part, until people call them that the power is out in a neighborhood.”
Marshall emphasizes that sharing this information is vital as electrical grids face increasing strain. A 2024 Climate Central report notes that power disruptions in the US have doubled in the past decade compared to the previous one.
The interactive national outage map available in the Ting app lets users check if their area is affected and follow power restoration progress. This is particularly valuable during extreme weather events.
“If you’ve got medical equipment or you’ve got pets, you need to know when the power is out,” said Marshall.
By providing early warnings about electrical risks, Whisker Labs hopes to assist utilities in preventing wildfires and improving grid safety nationwide.
Whisker Labs offers a free app using smart sensors to alert the public about power outages and electrical hazards early, enhancing safety and wildfire prevention efforts.
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