Puget Sound Energy, Inc.: generator, battery backup & CPAP rules
Service area: Electricity and/or natural gas across much of western Washington, including Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Olympia and Bremerton; in Seattle, PSE supplies natural gas only.
Meter collar transfer switches
No published rule found
We found no PSE rule or approved list for meter collars such as the Tesla Backup Switch or ConnectDER. PSE's single-family service handbook says customers may not tap at or in a meter socket, except for 320-amp service. Ask PSE before buying a meter collar.
Generator and battery disconnect requirements
For solar, battery and other customer generation connected to the grid, PSE recommends a visible, lockable disconnect switch for every system. It is required if the system is larger than 25 kW AC, the service is three-phase, or the service is CT-metered. When required, it must be one switch that isolates the whole system and sits next to the electric meter. PSE's customer generation rules do not cover emergency generators; for those, PSE says never connect a generator to home wiring without an approved, inspected, permanently installed transfer switch.
Gas meter upgrades for standby generators
Gas utility: Puget Sound Energy (where PSE supplies your gas)
PSE says to have your natural gas service evaluated before installing a gas generator, to make sure the gas service size and meter can handle the extra load. It asks customers to call Customer Construction Services at 1-888-321-7779 with the generator's gas needs and their existing gas load. We found no published fee for a generator-related gas meter upgrade.
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 status
- What it provides
- PSE places a seal on the electric meter so field crews know life-support equipment is in use. Customers get advance notice of scheduled outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs when possible, including a phone call, and 48 hours' notice before a disconnection for non-payment. There is no bill discount, and the status does not guarantee service or give priority in restoration. A separate medical emergency process can postpone disconnection if a medical certificate and a partial payment are provided within five business days.
- CPAP / BiPAP
- Not named. PSE's examples are dialysis equipment, ventilators, infant apnea monitors, feeding or infusion pumps, suction machines, oxygen concentrators and ventricular assist devices.
- Renewal
- Every year. Customers must complete an annual Life Support status review form and return it to PSE for approval.
Backup battery or generator programs
- Program
- Flex Batteries Enhanced Incentives (Pathway A)
- What it provides
- Up to $10,000, or 100% of eligible equipment and installation costs, toward a first home battery, paid to the installer as a lower upfront price. This is on top of Flex Batteries rewards: $75 per kWh of storage at enrollment (up to $1,000 per battery) and $0.50 per kWh for taking part in Flex events.
- Eligibility
- PSE residential electric customers can qualify for Pathway A in several ways, including having a registered medical device with PSE, income below county limits, or enrollment in PSE's Bill Discount Program. You must use a PSE Recommended Energy Professional, the battery must be connected to PSE's grid and enrolled in Flex Batteries, and it applies to first-time battery installations only.
Frequently asked questions
Does PSE allow meter collar transfer switches like the Tesla Backup Switch?
No published rule found. We found no PSE rule or approved list for meter collars such as the Tesla Backup Switch or ConnectDER. PSE's single-family service handbook says customers may not tap at or in a meter socket, except for 320-amp service. Ask PSE before buying a meter collar.
Does PSE have a program for customers who use a CPAP or other medical equipment?
Life Support status: PSE places a seal on the electric meter so field crews know life-support equipment is in use. Customers get advance notice of scheduled outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs when possible, including a phone call, and 48 hours' notice before a disconnection for non-payment. There is no bill discount, and the status does not guarantee service or give priority in restoration. A separate medical emergency process can postpone disconnection if a medical certificate and a partial payment are provided within five business days. Not named. PSE's examples are dialysis equipment, ventilators, infant apnea monitors, feeding or infusion pumps, suction machines, oxygen concentrators and ventricular assist devices.
Does PSE offer backup batteries or generator rebates for medical customers?
Flex Batteries Enhanced Incentives (Pathway A): Up to $10,000, or 100% of eligible equipment and installation costs, toward a first home battery, paid to the installer as a lower upfront price. This is on top of Flex Batteries rewards: $75 per kWh of storage at enrollment (up to $1,000 per battery) and $0.50 per kWh for taking part in Flex events. Eligibility: PSE residential electric customers can qualify for Pathway A in several ways, including having a registered medical device with PSE, income below county limits, or enrollment in PSE's Bill Discount Program. You must use a PSE Recommended Energy Professional, the battery must be connected to PSE's grid and enrolled in Flex Batteries, and it applies to first-time battery installations only.
How do I get a bigger gas meter for a standby generator in the PSE area?
Puget Sound Energy (where PSE supplies your gas): PSE says to have your natural gas service evaluated before installing a gas generator, to make sure the gas service size and meter can handle the extra load. It asks customers to call Customer Construction Services at 1-888-321-7779 with the generator's gas needs and their existing gas load. We found no published fee for a generator-related gas meter upgrade.