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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
“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--
-- 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.
-- 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.
-- 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.
-- Timeline: Hope Gas customers will have access to leases for 750 WATT HOME systems starting in 2026.
Click Here for the WATT Fuel Cell, Hope Gas announcement.
NewsClip:
-- Marcellus Drilling News: Largest Fuel Cell Backup Program In US Rolling Out In WV Marcellus [PDF of Article]
Resource Links:
-- PJM Extends Hot Weather Alert To June 26; Extends Maximum Generation Alert To June 25; Calls For Pre-Emergency Load Management Reductions In Demand Response Program [PaEN]
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-- WPXI: Over 1,000 Customers Without Power Amid Extreme Heat Wave In Southwest PA
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-- Pennsylvania Power Outages
PA Oil & Gas Industry Public Notice Dashboards:
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-- DEP Posted 81 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In June 28 PA Bulletin [PaEN]
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-- Marcellus Drilling News: Largest Fuel Cell Backup Program In US Rolling Out In WV Marcellus [PDF of Article]
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[Posted: June 26, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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