SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After 42 years of industry-defining design work, IA Interior Architects is evolving once more. Our firm, a global interior design and architecture powerhouse, has been strategically expanding its expertise and capabilities beyond corporate interiors and is now announcing an expansion of its services and practice areas. Along with this diversification comes a name change: our firm, IA Interior Architects, will now be known only as IA.

This evolution is both intentional and a natural next step. Our growth has always been strategic and client-driven, remaining true to who we are at our core. IA's name change and evolution will be accompanied by a new logo, one that signals our growth into a more expansive practice. We are thrilled to unveil the logo, which represents our ongoing commitment to thought-provoking design and architecture, reflects our consistent position as a global design leader, and nods to our adaptability and evolution.

It also signifies our continued dedication to a diversity of markets. Over the past decade, we have strategically invested in our hospitality and retail practices and expanded our commercial market sectors to include aviation, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, all of which have seen tremendous organic growth. This, paired with our deliberate investment in talent with expertise in disciplines such as base-building architecture, sustainability, and strategy, augments our evolution. As our brand moves forward, so do our professionals, our project work, and our mission-driven focus.

In addition to our new logo, we're unveiling a brand-new website that reflects who we are today. This site gives us a refreshed digital presence, but it will continue to provide valuable insights and compelling research, and to showcase our impactful design work.

"This brand evolution is a culmination of multiple years of work and consideration, and we're thrilled to finally unveil it. One of the most exciting elements is that we're pushing IA's brand forward rather than standing still. This has always been a priority. We're pleased to share this evolved brand, which fully communicates our expanded services and effectively moves IA into the future," shared IA co-CEOs/Presidents Tom Powers, AIA, and David Bourke.

Ultimately, IA will always be committed to our foundational value of entrepreneurship, our clients, and our people. We will continue to chart our own course, remaining employee-owned through our ESOP. This brand evolution is a celebration, moving our firm into a new, expansive era of growth, one that is a natural fit for who IA is and has always been.

About IA: Design that Moves

IA's goal has always been to improve lives through visionary design and innovation. Since 1984, we have designed environments that move people forward, turning complexity into clarity through insight, imagination, and collaboration. Visit our new site, IA.design, for more information.

SOURCE IA

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This partnership targets a critical U.S. defense supply chain need for drone technologies, with domestic battery manufacturing starting early 2027

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Ordnance Holdings, a U.S.-owned defense company delivering integrated munition systems, ordnance, energetics, UAS and counter UAS solutions to the United States and its allies, signed a Master Supply Agreement with Sparkz Inc. initially targeting 210,000 battery packs beginning early 2027 , partnering to strengthen the U.S. defense supply chain for high energy density batteries for drones. The agreement establishes the first fully domestic manufacturing for high-performance drone batteries as the U.S. Department of War directs more attention and funding to domestic drone technologies.

Signed during AUSA 2026, the agreement meets the need for a reliable supply of American-made batteries as the Pentagon expands its use of unmanned systems. The batteries will come from a fully U.S. supply chain, including all base materials and assembly, with 100% U.S. content. The companies will deliver NDAA-compliant batteries for U.S. defense applications, with batteries expected to be available in early 2027 and full manufacturing capacity expected to start in Q2 2027. Domestic demand for batteries is expected to rapidly grow as 2027 forecasts for the DoW will reach approximately one million drones with forecasted demand for 2028 and beyond expected to continue to grow rapidly.

Sparkz will manufacture and supply batteries, while Global Ordnance will lead sales and distribution through its defense market relationships and distribution network. The high-energy-density batteries will be configurable to meet the power output and operational requirements of different unmanned systems.

"Putting more drones into service requires a dependable supply of the components that keep them flying," said Jeffrey Brunozzi, president of Global Ordnance Holdings. "Batteries are central to that equation, and high energy density power supplies are critical for the missions they serve. This partnering agreement brings Sparkz U.S. battery manufacturing together with our understanding of defense customers' operational requirements to build a fully domestic source they can plan around."

The agreement comes as the Pentagon places greater emphasis on the origins of drone components and the industrial capacity needed to supply them. Its Drone Dominance Program supply chain framework calls for progressively tighter sourcing requirements, with the ultimate goal of a wholly domestic small-drone supply chain.

For military customers and unmanned systems manufacturers, the challenge extends beyond obtaining a finished aircraft. Sustaining deployment requires access to critical components that meet performance requirements and can be supplied reliably as operational needs change.

"Domestic battery production has to deliver the performance customers need for their specific systems," said Sanjiv Malhotra, CEO of Sparkz. "By combining our technology and manufacturing capabilities with Global Ordnance's defense market reach, we intend to give U.S. drone manufacturers and defense customers an American-made battery option tailored to their applications."

The initiative supports Global Ordnance Holdings' broader work in autonomy, unmanned systems, and mission-tailored defense solutions, connecting advanced technologies with the equipment and supply capabilities required to support operational readiness.

About Global Ordnance Holdings

Global Ordnance Holdings is a U.S.-owned defense company founded in 2013. Its businesses include Global Military Products (defense programs and international sales), Global Ordnance, LLC (commercial sales), Global Ordnance Trading, and Mountain Horse Solutions (unmanned and counter-unmanned systems), with international entities in the United Kingdom and Europe. The company supplies ammunition, energetics, and unmanned systems to the U.S. government and allied nations. Learn more at global-ordnance.com.

About Sparkz, Inc.

The only company succeeding in establishing the LFP battery ecosystem in the US. We are making high-performance material from scratch, made from abundant American materials, such as lithium, iron, phosphate, cells and the complete battery systems. Learn more at sparkz.energy.

PRESS CONTACTS:

Michelle Bandur,

Sparkz VP, Marketing and Communications

279-208-4672

[email protected] 

Abby Rodriguez

Sparkz VP, Corporate Development

202-743-3831

[email protected] 

Margit DeMarco,

Global Ordnance, Director of Marketing

941-431-7505

[email protected]

SOURCE Global Ordnance LLC

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In a dramatic Series finish, Sofía Gómez Villafañe and Keegan Swenson capture 2026 titles

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Time (NYSE: LTH), the nation's premier healthy way of life brand, brought professional athletes, recreational riders, industry leaders and fans together in Northwest Arkansas last week for the 2026 Life Time Big Sugar Classic.

Bookended by the Life Time Little Sugar MTB and Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Kenetik, the weeklong celebration was hosted across Bentonville and Bella Vista, Arkansas as well as McDonald County, Missouri. More than 4,200 cyclists representing 46 states and 20 countries converged for the two marquee off-road cycling events, which also featured group rides, product demos, athlete engagements, industry gatherings and family-friendly activities.

"At Big Sugar, the racing is the centerpiece, but the experience around it is what makes it unique: bringing people together, introducing new generations to the sport and giving the cycling community the perfect platform to connect," said Kimo Seymour, Senior Vice President of Media and Events at Life Time. "Northwest Arkansas has built an incredible cycling culture, and we're thankful to be a part of it."

Life Time Big Sugar Gravel also marked the culmination of the 2026 Life Time Grand Prix, Life Time's professional off-road cycling series, with top athletes facing off for the final test. With the season-long competition coming down to the final race — and one of the tightest Series yet — Big Sugar Gravel delivered a hard-fought conclusion, with Sofía Gómez Villafañe and Keegan Swenson crowned the 2026 champions. To see the complete podium, visit lifetimegrandprix.com.

Now in its fifth season, the Grand Prix reflects Life Time's continued investment in growing professional off-road cycling in the U.S., including a record $590,000 prize purse for 2026, up 55% from the previous year. Live coverage on the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel further expanded the competition's reach and brought the race to more than 155,000 viewers.

Beyond the competition, the Life Time Big Sugar Classic celebrated Northwest Arkansas' vibrant cycling culture and strong community ties. Nearly 500 participants across Little Sugar MTB and Big Sugar Gravel called Bentonville or Bella Vista home, underscoring the event's local roots.

"The success of Life Time Big Sugar Classic is a success for every corner of our community," said Kalene Griffith, President and CEO of Visit Bentonville. "An estimated $9 million in economic impact over ten days means busy dining rooms, full hotels and real support for the small businesses that give Bentonville its character. Events like this are exactly why we're proud to be the Mountain Biking Capital of the World: they bring people here, and once they see these trails and this landscape, they keep coming back."

The Big Sugar Classic is one of 30 iconic athletic events owned and produced by Life Time, spanning disciplines including road running, trail running, mountain biking and gravel cycling. Across its event portfolio, Life Time creates experiences that unite competition, community and active living, welcoming people of different ages and abilities to pursue their goals and connect through movement.

For more information about Life Time's full portfolio of athletic events download the Life Time app or visit www.lifetime.life/athletic-events.

About Life Time

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its more than 195 athletic country clubs across the U.S. and Canada, the complimentary and comprehensive Life Time app featuring its L•AI•C™ AI-powered health companion, and 30 iconic athletic events. Serving people ages 90 days to 90+ years, the Life Time ecosystem uniquely delivers healthy living, healthy aging, and healthy entertainment experiences, a range of unique healthy way of life programs, highly trusted LTH nutritional supplements and more. Recognized as a Great Place to Work®, the company is committed to upholding an exceptional culture for its nearly 50,000 team members.

SOURCE Life Time, Inc.

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Nonprofit platform brings people affected by ALS together for connection, practical resources and support shaped by lived experience

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ALS.Community today announced the public launch of its free, patient-led nonprofit online platform, giving people affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly called ALS, a place to build friendships, share practical knowledge and find support. The mission of ALS.Community is to end ALS isolation by connecting people who understand life with the disease. Appromixately 200,000 people have ALS globally with that number expected to rise sharply over the next 15 years.

Developed with guidance from people living with ALS, the platform brings patients, caregivers, families and the broader ALS community together in one interactive space. Members help shape its direction through leadership, feedback and the creation of smaller communities centered on their needs. That approach puts the patients and family members navigating ALS at the center of decisions about the support available to them.

For founder Jeff Oppenheimer, the launch fulfills a deeply personal goal: helping others find the understanding his wife, Shelbie, often lacked during her 20 years with ALS.

"During my wife Shelbie's 20-year battle with ALS, she was surrounded by people who loved her, but rarely by people who understood what she was going through," Oppenheimer said. "It hurts me to this day. What I couldn't do for her, I'm working to create for people with ALS, as well as family and caregivers who are also isolated by ALS."

ALS.Community is designed to make those connections easier to find. Members can drop into a Connection Café, attend webinars and watch parties or explore a virtual library, bookstore, art gallery and movie theater. These shared spaces offer opportunities to exchange advice, pursue interests and spend time with people who need no explanation of the challenges ALS can bring.

At the heart of the platform are Communities, dedicated spaces for connection, information and support. Public Communities bring together the entire ALS ecosystem under one roof, with unique Communities for: Patients, Caregivers, Family Members, Friends, Veterans, Advocates, Researchers, Clinicians, Businesses and Nonprofits. Personal Communities offer more focused connections based on shared interests, experiences or geography.

Like-minded groups can create a Personal Community around needs such as navigating motherhood with ALS, caring for a spouse or finding others in close geographic proximity. A few pioneering Personal Communities have already formed at ALS.Community. Forever a Parent: A Gentle Space After ALS was established by parents bereaved by ALS. "Creating this community for other parents is a way to honor the grief and love I have for my daughter, Marissa," said member Lou Morentin. "I hope other parents will join us and share stories, laugh, cry and honor the children they have lost to this devastating disease." Marissa's ALS journey ended at age 32.

Practical learning is another core part of the platform. A reference library covers more than 230 topics across 11 subject areas, including financial health, caregiving, veterans, research and clinical care. In the spiritual health library, resources include psalms and prayers, perspectives from different faiths, guided meditation and gratitude exercises.

"Our tagline is Together We're Bigger Than ALS, but we think of it as a battle cry and rallying call for everyone touched by this disease to stand together, support one another, and make their voices heard," Oppenheimer said.

Membership is free. To join the community or donate, visit https://als.community. The platform is also available through iOS and Android app stores on the Mighty Networks app.

About ALS.Community

ALS.Community is a free, patient-led nonprofit online community dedicated to ending ALS isolation. Built on the belief that people living with ALS deserve not just a voice but a seat at the table, it connects patients, caregivers, families, clinicians, researchers and advocates through peer support, practical resources and shared experiences. Its mobility-friendly design supports participation in a community guided by the people it serves. Learn more at https://als.community.

For the complete statement: https://als.community/blog/als-community-launches-patient-led-community

Media contact

Caroline Mickus

Vault Communications

973-580-5185

[email protected]

SOURCE ALS.Community

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Award recognizes more than three decades of leadership and service in correctional behavioral healthcare

TOPEKA, Kan., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- VitalCore today announced that Dr. Deborah Schult, deputy executive medical officer of behavioral health, received the 2026 People Helping People Award from the American Board of Correctional Psychology (ABCP), recognizing her longstanding contributions to behavioral healthcare within the nation's correctional systems.

Presented annually by the board's founder and president Dr. Dean Aufderheide during the American Correctional Association's Congress, the award honors a correctional psychologist whose professional career exemplifies a sustained commitment to serving others, advancing the profession and improving behavioral healthcare in correctional settings.

"'This award is at the heart of what we do in correctional behavioral health," said Schult. "Whether providing the services directly, or guiding, supporting and resourcing the staff who engage daily with our patients, it has always been clear to me that we have the greatest impact on the lives of people who are hurting by helping each other. It truly takes a multidisciplinary team to uplift others in our industry, and I am pleased and honored to be recognized as part of that helping spirit."

With more than 30 years of experience in correctional healthcare, Schult has dedicated her career to addressing the complex behavioral health needs of incarcerated individuals and strengthening the systems and professionals responsible for their care.

Prior to joining VitalCore, Schult held leadership positions with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where she helped oversee the administration of healthcare services within the federal correctional system. Her experience across both jail and prison environments has provided her with extensive insight into the clinical, operational, and organizational challenges associated with delivering behavioral healthcare in correctional settings.

"What distinguishes Deb is not only the depth of her expertise, but her ability to translate that expertise into meaningful improvements in clinical practice, building stronger multidisciplinary teams and establishing advanced systems of care," said Dr. Lorelei Ammons, executive clinical advisor and co-founder of VitalCore. "This recognition is exceptionally well deserved, and we are so fortunate to have her leadership at VitalCore."

In her current role at VitalCore, Schult provides executive leadership and clinical guidance for behavioral health services, supporting multidisciplinary teams in the delivery of comprehensive, patient-centered care. Her work reflects VitalCore's commitment to strengthening behavioral health services and advancing the quality of healthcare available to individuals in correctional facilities.

"Throughout her career, she has shown a steadfast commitment to clinical best practices, professional integrity, and improving the lives of individuals entrusted to our care," said Ammons. "Dr. Schult represents the best of correctional behavioral healthcare leadership."

The American Board of Correctional Psychology promotes professional excellence in correctional psychology through certification and the establishment of standards for education, training, experience and ethical practice. The organization's People Helping People Award recognizes professionals whose contributions have made a meaningful impact on the field and the individuals it serves.

About VitalCore

VitalCore is a leading provider of comprehensive correctional healthcare services, delivering innovative, evidence-based care designed to improve outcomes for patients and strengthen the operations of correctional facilities. Through a commitment to clinical excellence, operational efficiency and compassionate care, VitalCore partners with correctional systems to build safe, healthier communities. For more information about VitalCore, visit the website at www.vitalcorehs.com.

SOURCE VitalCore

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ALMATY, Kazakhstan, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- World tennis star Andrey Rublev met with ten children from the Asyl Miras Autism Center during the Almaty Open ATP 250 tournament. The initiative, organised by the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF), continues a longstanding tradition of bringing professional players together with children from Asyl Miras center. The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation runs 13 autism centers across 12 cities in Kazakhstan, providing free, comprehensive support to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

"It is particularly important to us that children with ASD have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of life, including sports. Meetings like these help broaden the understanding of inclusion not only among children but also throughout society. Spending time with professional athletes is a meaningful experience for the children and another step toward creating a more open and inclusive environment," said Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.

On the court, Rublev and children took part in adapted ball-and-racket exercises, accuracy drills, and other activities designed by specialists from Asyl Miras and the KTF to ensure every child could discover tennis in a relaxed and engaging way. The event gave the children a chance to experience something new and take part in a shared sporting activity, while allowing Rublev to learn more about autism and how to interact with children with ASD.

"It was a great experience. First of all, it's always a pleasure to spend time with children. They teach you so much, and there's always something special about being part of that playful atmosphere. My mother is also a tennis coach, so I've been on the court since I was very young and grew up watching how coaches work with young children. Every charitable initiative is incredibly meaningful, and everyone connects with it in their own way. But the most important thing is simply to do something good," said Andrey Rublev.

Professional tennis players have supported the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation's initiatives on numerous occasions. Over the years, Asyl Miras Autism Centers have welcomed Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina, Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Bublik and many others. Continuing this tradition, Rublev presented the children with tennis rackets after the event so they could continue playing tennis and putting their newly acquired skills into practice.

SOURCE The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

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The locally owned and operated cannabis company opens the third Garden experience in Greater Cincinnati, continuing its commitment to accessible, elevated cannabis retail experiences.

CINCINNATI, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- King City Gardens Group, a locally owned and operated Cincinnati cannabis company, is continuing its expansion with the opening of its newest The Garden Dispensary location in Colerain Township. This marks the company's third dispensary in the Greater Cincinnati area and further strengthens its commitment to high-quality cannabis products, competitive pricing, and an elevated retail experience for Ohio consumers.

The new Colerain Township dispensary builds on the success of The Garden's existing locations in Camp Washington and Sycamore Township. With Sycamore Township ranking among Ohio's top five dispensaries and Camp Washington among the top 20, the company aims to bring that same level of performance, customer service, and retail experience to its newest location.

Designed around convenience, education, and customer experience, The Garden Colerain offers a thoughtfully curated selection of Ohio cannabis products in a welcoming, modern retail environment. Customers can shop King City Gardens products alongside a diverse selection of respected brands from across Ohio's cannabis market.

"We're proud to be building The Garden experience right here in Cincinnati," said Caveh Azadeh, Co-Founder of King City Gardens. "As a locally owned and operated company, our goal has always been to create dispensaries that deliver quality products, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service. The success of our Camp Washington and Sycamore Township locations has established a strong foundation, and we're excited to bring that same experience to the Colerain community."

Cincinnati Grown. Locally Owned. Community Focused.

The Garden's continued expansion builds on the foundation King City Gardens established as a Cincinnati-based, veteran-owned Level 1 cannabis cultivator with approximately 50,000 square feet of cultivation canopy.

With deep roots in Cincinnati, King City Gardens Group remains committed to investing in the local market, creating employment opportunities, and building lasting relationships within the communities it serves.

By connecting cultivation and retail, the organization has developed a vertically integrated approach that provides customers with direct access to King City Gardens products while maintaining a diverse menu featuring leading brands from throughout Ohio.

The Garden's retail experience emphasizes knowledgeable service, product education, competitive pricing, and an inviting environment designed to make cannabis shopping comfortable for both experienced consumers and first-time visitors.

Building on Success Across Greater Cincinnati

The opening of The Garden Colerain represents another milestone in the company's continued growth throughout the Cincinnati region.

Following the strong performance of its Camp Washington and Sycamore Township dispensaries, King City Gardens Group is focused on establishing Colerain as another leading retail destination within Ohio's cannabis market.

Each location is designed to serve its surrounding community while maintaining the brand's commitment to accessibility, hospitality, product quality, and an exceptional customer experience.

The Colerain location will also offer convenient shopping options, including online ordering and streamlined pickup, making it easier for customers to explore products and shop with confidence.

As The Garden continues to expand, the company remains focused on growing within its hometown market and building a retail brand that Cincinnati consumers can recognize and trust.

About The Garden

The Garden is a locally owned and operated Cincinnati cannabis dispensary brand dedicated to delivering high-quality cannabis products, competitive pricing, and an elevated customer experience. Developed by King City Gardens Group, The Garden combines modern retail environments, knowledgeable teams, convenient shopping options, and thoughtfully curated product selections to provide an accessible and welcoming experience for Ohio's adult-use and medical cannabis consumers.

With locations in Camp Washington, Sycamore Township, and Colerain Township, The Garden continues to expand throughout Greater Cincinnati while staying committed to its local roots and the communities it serves.

About King City Gardens

King City Gardens is a Cincinnati-based, veteran-owned Level 1 cannabis cultivator dedicated to producing high-quality cannabis products for Ohio consumers. With approximately 50,000 square feet of cultivation canopy, King City Gardens combines advanced cultivation practices with a commitment to quality, consistency, and its Cincinnati roots.

Media Contact

King City Gardens Group / The Garden

Marketing Department

[email protected] 

SOURCE King City Gardens

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ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company today announced a regular quarterly dividend of 76 cents per share on the company's common stock, payable December 7, 2026, to shareholders of record as of November 16, 2026.

Every quarter for 79 consecutive years, Southern Company has paid a dividend to its shareholders that is equal to or greater than the previous quarter.

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services.  Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success, driven by nearly 30,000 employees dedicated to delivering exceptional service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

SOURCE Southern Company

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The Standard That Built Oil and Gas Finance Has Now Been Adapted to Support Geothermal Development at Scale

The GRMS system of standardization and classification for geothermal resources, led by a coalition of stakeholders in collaboration with Project InnerSpace and the Society of Petroleum Engineers, will publish in November

HOUSTON, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Project InnerSpace, a non-profit focused research organization committed to the exponential global growth of geothermal energy, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the world's largest non-profit member organization for oil and gas professionals, today announced that the Geothermal Resources Management System (GRMS), a standardized framework for classifying, reporting, and communicating geothermal resources and reserves first announced in March 2026, has completed its technical drafting and industry working-group consensus process and has been approved by the SPE Board of Directors for publication.

Modeled on the petroleum industry's foundational Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS) and the CO2 Storage Resources Management System (SRMS) standards that have enabled trillions of dollars in oil and gas investment over the past century, GRMS gives geothermal projects a resource and reserves classification system that financial institutions, insurers, and regulators already know how to use. With Board approval secured, GRMS is expected to publish online in November 2026.

"For 40 years, PRMS has been the language that flowed trillions into oil and gas development. We are excited to have built a structure through the GRMS coalition that will do the same for geothermal today," said Jamie Beard, Founder and Executive Director of Project InnerSpace.

"Standards play a critical role in enabling investment, transparency, and industry growth. The SPE Board's approval of GRMS signals confidence in both the technical integrity of the framework and the broad industry consensus behind it. We believe GRMS will become an essential tool for bringing greater consistency and clarity to the assessment and reporting of geothermal resources around the world," said Simon Seaton, Chief Executive Officer of SPE.

Over the past six months, Project InnerSpace and SPE led a cross-industry effort, which convened a multi-disciplinary coalition of volunteers and authors spanning reserves evaluators, oil and gas operators, insurers and underwriters, private equity, and geothermal developers to develop the GRMS framework. GRMS will be published on the SPE OnePetro site with no membership or paywall required to access it. Open access was made possible by Project InnerSpace's financial support of the publication process to remove cost as a barrier to adoption, allowing any reserves evaluator, lender, insurer, regulator, or operator anywhere in the world to access and apply the standard out of the gate.

With the framework approved by the SPE Board, Project InnerSpace and SPE are turning to the work of naturalizing GRMS into everyday geothermal financing practice, training reserves evaluators, lenders, insurers, regulators, and geothermal and oil and gas operators to apply the system consistently across deals, filings, and underwriting. Phase II of the collaboration, which will take place in early 2027, will develop practitioner application guidelines, including case studies across a variety of geothermal technology types, and continue socialization of the standard with financial institutions through convenings and workshops.

About Project InnerSpace

Project InnerSpace is the leading independent non-profit organization dedicated to the global development of geothermal energy. We are a focused research organization, on a mission to remove the major barriers standing in the way of the exponential growth and development of geothermal energy worldwide by 2030. To learn more about Project InnerSpace, please visit www.projectinnerspace.org.

About the Society of Petroleum Engineers

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit professional association with more than 129,900 members in 148 countries engaged in the exploration and production of oil and gas and related energy resources. SPE delivers solutions and empowers people to drive the energy industry forward. Members gain access to premier programs, content, and events designed to accelerate professional growth and career development, while fostering a strong network and sense of community. SPE maintains offices in Calgary, Dallas, Dubai, Houston, and Kuala Lumpur.

SOURCE Project InnerSpace

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FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. Joins the Alliant Energy® Smart Hours Program to Reward Customers in Wisconsin for Supporting the Grid

Wisconsin-based Alliant Energy customers with batteries can earn up to $1,500 in enrollment incentives, plus ongoing payments, by helping strengthen the electric grid

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. today announced that Alliant Energy customers in Wisconsin with FranklinWH Systems, are able to participate in Alliant Energy® Smart Hours, a residential battery program that rewards homeowners for supporting grid reliability while earning financial incentives.

Through the program, Alliant Energy customers receive an enrollment incentive of $100 per kilowatt-hour of battery capacity, up to $1,500 for a FranklinWH System. Participants also earn annual performance payments of $100 for every average kilowatt their system discharges when called upon to support the grid.

Once enrolled, the FranklinWH System automatically sends stored battery energy to the grid during periods of peak electricity demand. Homeowners don't need to take any action during an event and can set how much stored energy they make available, so they keep an appropriate level of backup power for their home.

FranklinWH has partnered with energy technology company Derapi to streamline enrollment, helping FranklinWH systems connect to Smart Hours.

"Wisconsin homeowners already rely on their FranklinWH System to keep the lights on during outages," said FranklinWH chief commercial officer, Vincent Ambrose. "Now they can put that same battery to work supporting the electric grid while earning financial incentives. Programs such as Smart Hours show how families can play an active role in building a more reliable grid."

Alliant Energy's planned and operational battery projects in Wisconsin total 275 megawatts. By enrolling in Smart Hours, residential battery systems further expand this capacity, offering the utility greater flexibility to meet rising energy demand.

The Smart Hours program adds another utility partnership to FranklinWH's growing presence across the country. FranklinWH now participates in more than 30 VPPs.

About FranklinWH

FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. is a global leader in whole-home energy management and battery storage, with systems that integrate solar, generator and grid power. Its systems are engineered and manufactured in Santa Clara, California, home to the company's U.S. Innovation Center, which leads product design, grid controls, testing and certification. FranklinWH systems participate in more than 30 utility-led virtual power plant (VPP) programs across the U.S., allowing homeowners to support the grid at peak times, receive program payments and retain backup power.

For more information, visit www.franklinwh.com.

About Derapi

Derapi is an energy enablement company helping unlock the full potential of distributed energy resources. Through one secure, manufacturer-sanctioned integration layer, Derapi makes it easier for OEMs, VPP operators, DERMS providers, and energy platforms to connect devices, authorize customers, access data, and control distributed resources across utility incentives, grid programs, financing platforms, and partner ecosystems. By combining purpose-built APIs with hands-on program support, Derapi helps energy innovators reduce integration complexity, scale participation, and bring distributed energy programs to market faster.

Media Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc.

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