Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy): generator, battery backup & CPAP rules
Service area: The Denver metro area, Boulder and much of Colorado's Front Range.
Meter collar transfer switches
Restricted / case by case
In Colorado, Xcel allows only company-approved meter collar adapters, and only for renewable resources such as solar, not for a fuel generator. The collar must be customer-owned and installed, UL listed for meter sockets up to 200 amps, requested through Xcel's online application, and you must sign a Meter Collar Waiver first. Xcel's approved list (revision dated September 1, 2026) shows only ConnectDER models. Xcel does not allow collars on 320-amp services, puck-style or A-base meters, or with a socket adapter.
- Xcel Energy Standard for Electric Installation and Use (effective August 1, 2026), Section 2.8
- Xcel Energy Colorado: Interconnection (Meter Collar Adaptors section)
- Xcel Energy: Colorado Approved Meter Collars (revision dated September 1, 2026)
- Xcel Energy: Meter Collar Adapters Prohibited Installations
Generator and battery disconnect requirements
For a generator used only as backup, Xcel's standard says to follow state rules or ask Xcel's Area Engineering Department. All generating equipment must be non-islanding under IEEE 1547 unless Xcel agrees otherwise. Systems that run in parallel with the grid need protective devices under Xcel's interconnection rules and labels at the meter. Where a production meter is used, you need a manual disconnect that can be locked open, shows a visible open, and that Xcel staff can reach without help.
Gas meter upgrades for standby generators
Gas utility: Xcel Energy (Public Service Company of Colorado)
We found no published Xcel policy or fee for upgrading a gas meter for a standby generator. Xcel's Colorado service guide asks applicants to list their gas load, including BTUs, so it can size equipment. Call Xcel with the generator's gas load before you buy.
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 Program and Colorado Medical Exemption Program (Xcel's Safe for Colorado program)
- What it provides
- A medical certificate pauses shutoff action and late fees for 90 days, or restores service, once every 12 months. It does not protect against outages or safety shutoffs. You can also opt in to extra calls, emails or texts before Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The separate Colorado Medical Exemption Program gives a lower electric rate to households under 400% of federal poverty guidelines that use life-support equipment or have medical conditions needing high power use.
- CPAP / BiPAP
- Partly. Xcel's Colorado Medical Exemption Program information sheet lists oxygen and CPAP machines as examples. The Medical Certification form does not list devices.
- Renewal
- A new medical certificate is needed each time you ask for the 90-day grace period, at most once every 12 months. Xcel uses the contact details for outage notices for up to three years.
Backup battery or generator programs
- Program
- PSPS Backup Battery Rebate Program
- What it provides
- A rebate of up to $10,000 toward a permanent (whole-home) battery system, one or more portable battery units, or both. A licensed installer applies for permanent systems. Portable units are ordered for you by Xcel, so do not buy them yourself. Xcel reported 9% of the 2026 budget allocated as of October 5, 2026.
- Eligibility
- Xcel residential electric customers in Colorado who are enrolled in the Medical Certification Program or the Colorado Medical Exemption Program and live in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 wildfire risk area. Renters need landlord permission.
Frequently asked questions
Does Xcel Energy Colorado allow meter collar transfer switches like the Tesla Backup Switch?
Restricted / case by case. In Colorado, Xcel allows only company-approved meter collar adapters, and only for renewable resources such as solar, not for a fuel generator. The collar must be customer-owned and installed, UL listed for meter sockets up to 200 amps, requested through Xcel's online application, and you must sign a Meter Collar Waiver first. Xcel's approved list (revision dated September 1, 2026) shows only ConnectDER models. Xcel does not allow collars on 320-amp services, puck-style or A-base meters, or with a socket adapter.
Does Xcel Energy Colorado have a program for customers who use a CPAP or other medical equipment?
Medical Certification Program and Colorado Medical Exemption Program (Xcel's Safe for Colorado program): A medical certificate pauses shutoff action and late fees for 90 days, or restores service, once every 12 months. It does not protect against outages or safety shutoffs. You can also opt in to extra calls, emails or texts before Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The separate Colorado Medical Exemption Program gives a lower electric rate to households under 400% of federal poverty guidelines that use life-support equipment or have medical conditions needing high power use. Partly. Xcel's Colorado Medical Exemption Program information sheet lists oxygen and CPAP machines as examples. The Medical Certification form does not list devices.
Does Xcel Energy Colorado offer backup batteries or generator rebates for medical customers?
PSPS Backup Battery Rebate Program: A rebate of up to $10,000 toward a permanent (whole-home) battery system, one or more portable battery units, or both. A licensed installer applies for permanent systems. Portable units are ordered for you by Xcel, so do not buy them yourself. Xcel reported 9% of the 2026 budget allocated as of October 5, 2026. Eligibility: Xcel residential electric customers in Colorado who are enrolled in the Medical Certification Program or the Colorado Medical Exemption Program and live in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 wildfire risk area. Renters need landlord permission.
How do I get a bigger gas meter for a standby generator in the Xcel Energy Colorado area?
Xcel Energy (Public Service Company of Colorado): We found no published Xcel policy or fee for upgrading a gas meter for a standby generator. Xcel's Colorado service guide asks applicants to list their gas load, including BTUs, so it can size equipment. Call Xcel with the generator's gas load before you buy.