Whisker Labs Launches Free Nationwide Power Outage Tracking Tool
Germantown, Maryland-based startup Whisker Labs has introduced a free, real-time tool to alert users about power outages and electrical fire risks, aiming to help utilities prevent wildfires.
Unique Sensor Network and Outage Monitoring
The company’s extensive network of smart home sensors provides data that can warn anyone of electrical problems—sometimes even before utilities are informed.
“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 for public safety as electrical grids experience increasing strain.
Growing Power Disruptions in the US
A 2024 Climate Central report found the US has experienced twice as many power disruptions in the last decade compared to the previous one.
Ting App and Interactive Outage Map
Through the Ting app, users can access an interactive national outage map, viewing nearby power incidents and restoration times without needing any device output from the network.
“If you’ve got medical equipment or you’ve got pets, you need to know when the power is out,” Marshall said, underscoring the map’s importance for residents after extreme weather events.
Supporting Public Safety and Wildfire Prevention
The real-time data and alerts from Whisker Labs can help residents make informed decisions on when it is safe to return home, while supporting utilities' efforts to reduce wildfire risks.
The service is powered by a nationwide network of over 1,000 sensors delivering continuous outage information.
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