Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP): generator, battery backup & CPAP rules
Service area: City of Los Angeles, including the San Fernando Valley, Westside and Harbor area
Meter collar transfer switches
Not accepted
Not allowed. LADWP's 2025 Electric Service Requirements state that customer-owned adapters and transfer switches shall not be installed between the meter socket and LADWP's meter. Use a transfer switch on the customer side of the main disconnect instead.
Generator and battery disconnect requirements
Standby generators must connect on the load side of the main disconnect through an approved open-transition (break-before-make) transfer switch; interlock or padlock schemes that rely on the customer opening the main are not acceptable. Grid-connected systems generally need a lockable, visible air-gap disconnect, but inverter-based batteries and solar up to 30 kW AC may be exempt when conditions are met.
Gas meter upgrades for standby generators
Gas utility: Southern California Gas (SoCalGas)
No published fee. SoCalGas accepts residential 'meter upsize' applications when new gas appliances are added; secure permits first and list each appliance's BTU load. Ask SoCalGas 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
- Life-Support Equipment Discount
- What it provides
- An electric bill credit for households where a full-time resident needs essential life-support equipment, plus restoration priority for circuits serving life-support customers. LADWP does not publish a percentage, and approval does not guarantee uninterrupted power.
- CPAP / BiPAP
- Eligibility is reviewed by LADWP's medical doctor; listed devices include respirators, oxygen concentrators and apnea monitors. CPAP eligibility is decided case by case.
- Renewal
- A new application every 2 years, or when your medical status, address or equipment changes.
Backup battery or generator programs
- Program
- None found
- What it provides
- We found no LADWP backup battery or generator program for medical customers. LADWP's application form recommends that life-support customers get an independent backup power system.
Frequently asked questions
Does LADWP allow meter collar transfer switches like the Tesla Backup Switch?
Not accepted. Not allowed. LADWP's 2025 Electric Service Requirements state that customer-owned adapters and transfer switches shall not be installed between the meter socket and LADWP's meter. Use a transfer switch on the customer side of the main disconnect instead.
Does LADWP have a program for customers who use a CPAP or other medical equipment?
Life-Support Equipment Discount: An electric bill credit for households where a full-time resident needs essential life-support equipment, plus restoration priority for circuits serving life-support customers. LADWP does not publish a percentage, and approval does not guarantee uninterrupted power. Eligibility is reviewed by LADWP's medical doctor; listed devices include respirators, oxygen concentrators and apnea monitors. CPAP eligibility is decided case by case.
Does LADWP offer backup batteries or generator rebates for medical customers?
We did not find a current backup battery or generator program for medical customers at LADWP. We found no LADWP backup battery or generator program for medical customers. LADWP's application form recommends that life-support customers get an independent backup power system.
How do I get a bigger gas meter for a standby generator in the LADWP area?
Southern California Gas (SoCalGas): No published fee. SoCalGas accepts residential 'meter upsize' applications when new gas appliances are added; secure permits first and list each appliance's BTU load. Ask SoCalGas for a quote.