New App Leverages Home Sensor Network to Provide Real-Time US Power Outage Map
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A new feature within the Ting app now allows anyone in the US to track power outages in real time, regardless of whether they own the company’s electrical fire prevention sensor. The update transforms the app into a widely accessible outage map, building on the popularity of its existing power outage notifications among Ting sensor users.
Whisker Labs, the company behind Ting, initially developed the sensor – installed in 1.1 million homes nationwide – to detect micro-arcing or sparking in electrical systems, possibly preventing fires. CEO Bob Marshall founded the company after his sister-in-law’s home was destroyed by an electrical fire,with the sensor designed to provide early warning to homeowners.
While originally focused on fire prevention, Whisker Labs observed significant user interest in the app’s power outage alerts. This prompted a revamp to broaden access to the outage data.The Ting app,available on the Apple App Store and Google Play,now features an interactive national outage map where users can search for specific addresses to check outage status and restoration updates.
The app’s extensive coverage is made possible by the density of Ting sensors across the contry. According to Marshall, sensors are located within a mile of approximately 95% of US homes.Each sensor collects 30 million electrical measurements per second, enabling it to detect voltage drops and predict power loss. By analyzing data from multiple sensors together, Whisker Labs can pinpoint the location and scope of outages.
The new app aims to fill a gap in existing outage information resources. Reporting on past disasters has highlighted the need for reliable, localized outage data, particularly after events like Hurricane Ida in 2021, where residents relied on neighbors for accurate information when utility maps proved inaccurate. While resources like PowerOutage.us exist, the Ting app offers a more granular view of outages.
