Austin Energy: generator, battery backup & CPAP rules
Service area: City of Austin and parts of Travis and Williamson counties
Meter collar transfer switches
Accepted
Allowed for approved socket-mounted transfer switch devices on 200 A residential services. Austin Energy's approved list includes the Tesla Backup Switch (model 1624171), ConnectDER and IslandDER, GenerLink MA23-S/MA24-S and the Enphase meter collar (MC-200-011-V01). No permit is required, but you must register and complete a field consultation through the Austin Build + Connect portal.
Generator and battery disconnect requirements
Distributed generation needs a manual, lockable disconnect with visible blades at the DG service point. Battery systems used for backup need a lockable visible-blade AC disconnect within 5 ft of the main panel. No separate disconnect rule is stated for socket-mounted devices or stand-alone generators.
Gas meter upgrades for standby generators
Gas utility: Texas Gas Service (ONE Gas)
No published residential fee for a generator meter upgrade. Ask Texas Gas Service for a quote.
Estimate your gas load with our gas meter calculator and read how gas meter sizing works.
Medical program for CPAP, BiPAP and oxygen users
- Program
- Medically Vulnerable Registry
- What it provides
- Case management, individualized bill management, flexible payment plans and a personalized emergency backup plan. No rate discount, and members are not guaranteed uninterrupted power or priority restoration. Income-based discounts are a separate program.
- CPAP / BiPAP
- Not named; qualifies if a licensed medical provider certifies a life-support, critical illness or serious illness category.
- Renewal
- Life support: no recertification (annual check-ins). Critical illness: every 5 years. Serious illness: every year.
Backup battery or generator programs
- Program
- None for medical customers (general: Power Partner Battery)
- What it provides
- No medical-specific battery program. Power Partner Battery, open to all residential customers with an eligible customer-owned battery, pays a $500 rebate plus $75 per average kW per year for participating in demand response.
- Eligibility
- Austin Energy residential customers with a listed, customer-owned battery.
Frequently asked questions
Does Austin Energy allow meter collar transfer switches like the Tesla Backup Switch?
Accepted. Allowed for approved socket-mounted transfer switch devices on 200 A residential services. Austin Energy's approved list includes the Tesla Backup Switch (model 1624171), ConnectDER and IslandDER, GenerLink MA23-S/MA24-S and the Enphase meter collar (MC-200-011-V01). No permit is required, but you must register and complete a field consultation through the Austin Build + Connect portal.
Does Austin Energy have a program for customers who use a CPAP or other medical equipment?
Medically Vulnerable Registry: Case management, individualized bill management, flexible payment plans and a personalized emergency backup plan. No rate discount, and members are not guaranteed uninterrupted power or priority restoration. Income-based discounts are a separate program. Not named; qualifies if a licensed medical provider certifies a life-support, critical illness or serious illness category.
Does Austin Energy offer backup batteries or generator rebates for medical customers?
None for medical customers (general: Power Partner Battery): No medical-specific battery program. Power Partner Battery, open to all residential customers with an eligible customer-owned battery, pays a $500 rebate plus $75 per average kW per year for participating in demand response. Eligibility: Austin Energy residential customers with a listed, customer-owned battery.
How do I get a bigger gas meter for a standby generator in the Austin Energy area?
Texas Gas Service (ONE Gas): No published residential fee for a generator meter upgrade. Ask Texas Gas Service for a quote.