PECO Energy Company: generator, battery backup & CPAP rules
Service area: Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and York counties.
Meter collar transfer switches
Restricted / case by case
PECO reviews and approves meter socket adapters product by product. Its accepted list currently names only one device, the ConnectDER Solar collar, which connects solar and other grid-tied systems. Use is limited to ringless meter boards and single-meter installations, and installing more than one collar on the same socket is prohibited. Backup-power collars such as the Tesla Backup Switch, GenerLink and Enphase IQ Meter Collar are not on PECO's list.
Generator and battery disconnect requirements
Generators must be wired so they cannot run in parallel with PECO's supply. Interlocked switches or an automatic transfer switch with an open transition (break before make) are acceptable. Momentary paralleling is allowed only if the system meets PECO's Gray Book. Grid-connected systems up to 50 kW need a readily accessible disconnect switch that can be padlocked open and shows a visible break. For homes, it must be outdoors as close as practical to the meter; if it cannot be seen from the meter, a plaque at the meter must show where it is.
Gas meter upgrades for standby generators
Gas utility: PECO (where PECO provides natural gas)
To add gas appliances or equipment to an existing gas connection, PECO says to call 1-866-685-5665 and complete an adequacy form. A new service line may be needed if the existing one has limited capacity. PECO does not publish a generator-specific meter upgrade policy or fee.
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
- Medical Certification
- What it provides
- Postpones a shutoff for nonpayment when a qualified medical provider certifies a medical condition. It is not a bill discount. Call PECO at 1-888-480-1533 to have the form faxed to your doctor, or use the PA PUC Standard Medical Certificate Form. PECO advises customers who rely on electric medical equipment to prepare for outages, for example with a backup generator.
- CPAP / BiPAP
- Not named by PECO.
- Renewal
- Each certificate lasts up to 30 days and can be renewed. If current bills are not being paid, renewals are limited to two 30-day certificates for the same past-due balance.
Backup battery or generator programs
- Program
- None found
- What it provides
- PECO does not offer a backup battery or generator program for medical customers. Its outage guidance tells customers with electric medical equipment to take appropriate steps or consider a backup generator.
Frequently asked questions
Does PECO allow meter collar transfer switches like the Tesla Backup Switch?
Restricted / case by case. PECO reviews and approves meter socket adapters product by product. Its accepted list currently names only one device, the ConnectDER Solar collar, which connects solar and other grid-tied systems. Use is limited to ringless meter boards and single-meter installations, and installing more than one collar on the same socket is prohibited. Backup-power collars such as the Tesla Backup Switch, GenerLink and Enphase IQ Meter Collar are not on PECO's list.
Does PECO have a program for customers who use a CPAP or other medical equipment?
Medical Certification: Postpones a shutoff for nonpayment when a qualified medical provider certifies a medical condition. It is not a bill discount. Call PECO at 1-888-480-1533 to have the form faxed to your doctor, or use the PA PUC Standard Medical Certificate Form. PECO advises customers who rely on electric medical equipment to prepare for outages, for example with a backup generator. Not named by PECO.
Does PECO offer backup batteries or generator rebates for medical customers?
We did not find a current backup battery or generator program for medical customers at PECO. PECO does not offer a backup battery or generator program for medical customers. Its outage guidance tells customers with electric medical equipment to take appropriate steps or consider a backup generator.
How do I get a bigger gas meter for a standby generator in the PECO area?
PECO (where PECO provides natural gas): To add gas appliances or equipment to an existing gas connection, PECO says to call 1-866-685-5665 and complete an adequacy form. A new service line may be needed if the existing one has limited capacity. PECO does not publish a generator-specific meter upgrade policy or fee.