Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E): generator, battery backup & CPAP rules
Service area: Northern and Central California: San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Sacramento and Central Valley, Central Coast, Sierra foothills
Meter collar transfer switches
Accepted
Allowed only for devices on PG&E's approved device list, under Electric Rule 31 (Customer-Owned Meter Socket Adapter Devices, effective January 16, 2026). Limited to residential single-meter panels of 240 V and 200 A or less with a form 2S meter socket, one adapter per meter. You apply through PG&E's Your Projects portal and pay a one-time fee; only PG&E or its agents may pull and reinstall the meter. Check PG&E's current list for your exact device.
Generator and battery disconnect requirements
For generation or storage that can backfeed, PG&E requires a lockable, visible-break disconnect switch near the meter. Inverter-based systems (such as home batteries) on single-phase services up to 240 V with self-contained meter panels rated 320 A or less may be exempted at PG&E's discretion.
Gas meter upgrades for standby generators
Gas utility: PG&E (gas)
No published flat fee. PG&E handles meter upgrades for added gas load as a service request through its Your Projects portal; customers may pay trenching, permit and engineering costs, and special-facilities charges can apply for elevated pressure. Ask PG&E 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
- Medical Baseline Program
- What it provides
- About 500 kWh of electricity and/or 25 therms of gas extra per month at the lowest price on your rate. Customers on E-ELEC, E-TOU-D or EV2-A get a 12% discount instead. Also extra Public Safety Power Shutoff alerts. Not income-based.
- CPAP / BiPAP
- PG&E lists sleep apnea and devices such as respirators and oxygen concentrators; a licensed medical practitioner must certify. CPAP/BiPAP users are likely eligible with certification.
- Renewal
- Permanent conditions: self-certify every 4 years. Non-permanent conditions: practitioner recertification every 2 years.
Backup battery or generator programs
- Program
- Portable Battery Program; Generator & Battery Rebate Program
- What it provides
- Portable Battery Program: backup batteries for eligible medical-device customers (full for 2026). Generator & Battery Rebate: up to $300 toward a qualifying portable generator or battery, or up to $500 for CARE/FERA customers, open through December 31, 2026.
- Eligibility
- Portable Battery Program: Medical Baseline or self-identified vulnerable customers who had a Public Safety Power Shutoff or 3+ EPSS outages since 2024. Rebate: accounts in high fire-threat districts or EPSS circuits, one per account.
Frequently asked questions
Does PG&E allow meter collar transfer switches like the Tesla Backup Switch?
Accepted. Allowed only for devices on PG&E's approved device list, under Electric Rule 31 (Customer-Owned Meter Socket Adapter Devices, effective January 16, 2026). Limited to residential single-meter panels of 240 V and 200 A or less with a form 2S meter socket, one adapter per meter. You apply through PG&E's Your Projects portal and pay a one-time fee; only PG&E or its agents may pull and reinstall the meter. Check PG&E's current list for your exact device.
Does PG&E have a program for customers who use a CPAP or other medical equipment?
Medical Baseline Program: About 500 kWh of electricity and/or 25 therms of gas extra per month at the lowest price on your rate. Customers on E-ELEC, E-TOU-D or EV2-A get a 12% discount instead. Also extra Public Safety Power Shutoff alerts. Not income-based. PG&E lists sleep apnea and devices such as respirators and oxygen concentrators; a licensed medical practitioner must certify. CPAP/BiPAP users are likely eligible with certification.
Does PG&E offer backup batteries or generator rebates for medical customers?
Portable Battery Program; Generator & Battery Rebate Program: Portable Battery Program: backup batteries for eligible medical-device customers (full for 2026). Generator & Battery Rebate: up to $300 toward a qualifying portable generator or battery, or up to $500 for CARE/FERA customers, open through December 31, 2026. Eligibility: Portable Battery Program: Medical Baseline or self-identified vulnerable customers who had a Public Safety Power Shutoff or 3+ EPSS outages since 2024. Rebate: accounts in high fire-threat districts or EPSS circuits, one per account.
How do I get a bigger gas meter for a standby generator in the PG&E area?
PG&E (gas): No published flat fee. PG&E handles meter upgrades for added gas load as a service request through its Your Projects portal; customers may pay trenching, permit and engineering costs, and special-facilities charges can apply for elevated pressure. Ask PG&E for a quote.