Whisker Labs Launches Free Nationwide Power Outage Tracker
Germantown, Maryland–based startup Whisker Labs has introduced a real-time alert tool that tracks power outages and electrical fires, sometimes even before utilities detect issues. Launched in September, this free service allows anyone to monitor electrical risks across the country using data from Whisker's network of smart home sensors.
Real-Time Alerts and Public Safety
Users can access an interactive national outage map through the Ting app without needing any specific device. This map displays nearby incidents and restoration times, providing critical information especially after extreme weather events.
“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.
Growing Frequency of Power Disruptions
A 2024 report by Climate Central highlights that the US has experienced twice as many power disruptions in the past decade compared to the previous one. This rise underscores the need for tools like Whisker Labs’ outage tracker.
Importance for Vulnerable Residents
“If you’ve got medical equipment or you’ve got pets, you need to know when the power is out,” Marshall explained.
Timely outage updates can help residents make informed decisions about when it is safe to return home after disruptions.
The outage map relies on data collected from Whisker Labs’ extensive network of sensors across the nation.
Author's summary: Whisker Labs’ free outage tracker uses real-time sensor data to alert users nationwide of power failures, enhancing safety amid increasing grid disruptions.