Empowering West Virginians: Hope Gas and WATT Fuel Cell's Fuel Cell Backup Power Initiative
Key Ideas
  • Hope Gas and WATT Fuel Cell launch a program providing 7,250 WATT HOME fuel cell systems to West Virginia residential customers for backup power.
  • The initiative addresses West Virginia's need for reliable power using natural gas, tackling frequent power outages and blackout times in the state.
  • The partnership aims to strengthen grid resiliency, empower customers with energy independence, and revolutionize utility service reliability.
  • The leasing program offers affordability, ease of adoption, and support by including installation and maintenance for the 10-year lease term.
Hope Gas and WATT Fuel Cell have introduced an innovative program in Morgantown, West Virginia, launching the largest residential fuel cell initiative in the United States. The partnership will provide over 7,250 WATT HOME fuel cell systems to Hope Gas residential customers over three years, offering backup power during outages. West Virginia, facing challenges in electric reliability, will benefit from this program utilizing natural gas for efficient and low-emission electricity. The initiative aims to address grid vulnerabilities, empower customers with energy independence, and set a model for energy innovation. The partnership ensures affordability through leasing, with no upfront costs, and includes installation and maintenance support. Hope Gas CEO, Morgan O’Brien, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the technology's benefits for customers and the state's energy resilience. WATT Fuel Cell CEO, Caine Finnerty, emphasized the shift in residential energy, enabling greater control for West Virginians. The program's timeline includes phased availability, starting with 750 systems in 2026 and additional units in the following years, all added to customers' Hope Gas bills. Overall, the initiative represents a positive step towards enhancing grid resiliency, fostering energy innovation, and providing reliable backup power for West Virginia residents.
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