Latest news with #backupPower
National Post
24-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Hope Gas and WATT Fuel Cell Launch Innovative WATT HOME™ Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Backup Power Leasing Program to Strengthen Grid Resiliency Across West Virginia
Article content Program Committed to Initially Deploy 7,250 Units Over Three Years, Marking the Largest Residential Fuel Cell Initiative in the Country Article content MORGANTOWN, — In a major step forward for distributed energy solutions in Appalachia, WATT Fuel Cell Corp and Hope Gas proudly announce the launch of a groundbreaking exclusive Hope Gas customer program for the WATT HOME fuel cell system. This strategic partnership will initially make over 7,250 next-generation backup power configured fuel cell units exclusively available to Hope Gas residential customers across West Virginia over the next three years, directly addressing the state's pressing need for reliable, resilient power utilizing the state's plentiful and reliable natural gas. Article content Article content Electric power outages are more than an inconvenience. For families and businesses, they can disrupt everyday life. West Virginia experiences among the most challenging electric reliability in the country according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's Annual Electric Power Industry Report. The state sees some of the most frequent power outages and longest blackout times in the country. Hope Gas customers in West Virginia will have access to cutting-edge WATT Fuel Cell technology to provide back-up power to their homes starting in 2026. Article content The innovative program exclusively offers Hope Gas customers access to the WATT HOME system—an advanced solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology that operates efficiently on readily available natural gas. Designed for residential use, WATT HOME provides dependable, low-emission electricity even when the power grid is down. Article content 'Hope Gas is excited to partner with WATT to bring this innovative fuel cell technology to the families we serve in West Virginia,' said Morgan O'Brien, chief executive officer of Hope Gas. 'Hope has thousands of miles of existing natural gas distribution infrastructure throughout the Mountain State that reliably delivers natural gas to the homes we serve even when the electric power is out. The WATT HOME systems available through this partnership will create back-up power for homes using natural gas when there is an electric outage. Hope Gas is constantly exploring innovative ways to provide cutting-edge solutions to our customers and communities. Leasing this technology will avoid any up-front capital outlay for Hope customers. This partnership with WATT is revolutionizing utility service reliability for our customers.' Article content The deployment of 7,250 WATT HOME systems marks the largest residential fuel cell initiative in the country. It also highlights West Virginia's leadership in modern energy innovation, with the potential to serve as a national model for partnerships that solve local infrastructure challenges with distributed energy resources. Article content 'This partnership between Hope Gas and WATT Fuel Cell represents a powerful shift in how we think about residential energy,' said Caine Finnerty, CEO of WATT Fuel Cell. 'By combining our scalable, innovative technology with the trusted service of Hope Gas, we're empowering West Virginians to take greater control of their energy future.' Article content The leasing model ensures affordability and ease of adoption, giving Hope Gas customers a no-hassle option for energy independence without large upfront capital investments. The program is expected to be especially impactful as grid vulnerability continues to grow with increased extreme weather events and longer duration outages. Article content 'Hope Gas is committed to innovation that serves our customers and strengthens West Virginia,' said O'Brien. 'The WATT HOME system gives our customers access to cutting-edge energy technology that supports their homes, their safety, and the state's long-term energy resilience.' Key highlights: Article content Access to WATT's fuel cells: WATT Fuel Cell will lease 7,250 WATT HOME systems configured to provide homes with backup power to Hope Gas residential customers. Leases will be available starting in 2026 for 750 systems. An additional 2500 systems will be available in 2027, and 4000 more systems will be available in 2028. Article content Lease information: There will be no upfront costs to customers when entering the lease for the WATT HOME system. Each lease term will be 10 years. The monthly lease fees will be added to the customer's Hope Gas bill. At the end of the lease term, customers may extend the lease or return the system. Article content Installation & Maintenance: Hope Gas will provide installation and maintenance support for each system for the length of the lease. Installation and maintenance are included in the lease and will not result in additional costs. Article content About Hope Gas Article content : Hope Gas is a Local Distribution Company (LDC) that proudly provides gas service to approximately 140,000 residential, industrial, and commercial customers in thirty-eight West Virginia counties. We monitor and maintain over 7000 miles of pipelines that safely deliver West Virginia natural gas to many homes and commercial and industrial sites. We currently employ nearly 600 employees working right here in our beautiful Mountain State with the sole purpose of staying true to our company's mission and vision in West Virginia. Learn more at Article content About Hope Utilities Article content : Hope Utilities owns natural gas and water distribution utilities across eight states. We provide service to more than 200,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the communities we serve. We currently operate natural gas utilities in West Virginia, Indiana, Montana, North Carolina, and Ohio; and water and wastewater utilities in Arizona, Michigan, and Texas. Hope's growth strategy is built on being a trusted member of the communities we serve, providing our customers with safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility service. Learn more about Hope at Article content ) is a manufacturer and developer of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell ('SOFC') stacks and systems that operate on common, readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas. WATT's proprietary, patented additive manufacturing process (AMP) has allowed it to produce commercially viable SOFC products for small-scale and remote power applications. WATT's Hybrid Power Management system works in tandem with renewable power sources (solar and wind) and energy storage to provide quiet, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions prioritizing a return on investment for customers across the globe. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contacts: Article content Hope Gas Article content Article content Erin O'Donnell Article content Article content Article content Article content 847-738-3118 Article content Article content Article content
Gizmodo
20-05-2025
- Gizmodo
Forget Anker, This Bluetti Power Station Hits a Record Low and Is Featured in Amazon's Memorial Day Deals
You never know what could happen, so stay prepared and have a source for backup power. Emergencies happen. Spring and summer mean storms can happen at any time, and that means electricity failures can, too. No one likes to be sitting in the dark when there's inclement weather or really at all. So you'll want to be prepared for any situation with a power station that can make sure you've got a source to charge your devices no matter what happens. Right now, you can get the Bluetti Solar Generator for just $188, down from its usual price of $269. That's $81 off and a discount of 30%. See at Amazon Portable power at a great price This portable power station is super lightweight, so you can take it with you wherever you go. It's just 10 pounds and has a built-in handle, so it's easy to carry from your living room to your car or even out into the woods. But don't let the size fool you. Inside is a 268Wh lithium iron phosphate battery, which lasts a long time, much longer than standard lithium-ion. It also comes with a 600W pure sine wave inverter, which means you can power up laptops, tablets, lights, CPAP machines, mini fridges, and small kitchen appliances. It's also incredibly versatile when it comes to how you charge it. You can recharge the EB3A via a regular wall outlet, your car's 12V socket, solar panels, or even a combination of those. If you're going camping or you're living in areas that tend to have a lot of storms, having solar recharging options can mean the difference between being totally powerless and having options. And with nine total output ports, including USB-A, USB-C, AC outlets, and even a wireless charging pad, you can keep multiple devices running at once. If you don't want to check on its charge or other info manually, you can use the Bluetti companion app. There you can see its power usage, check the battery level, and change any settings remotely. That's especially useful if you've got the unit tucked away during a power outage or stashed in a tent corner while charging your gear. You might not always be able to get to your power station, after all. For just $188, this is an excellent solution to a problem that can arise out of nowhere. Don't be left in the dark. Have a solution that's ready to go that you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for. Grab yours while it's still available. See at Amazon
