Consumers Energy Company: generator, battery backup & CPAP rules
Service area: Electricity and natural gas across much of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, including the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Jackson, Flint, Saginaw and Lansing areas.
Meter collar transfer switches
Not accepted
Consumers Energy's metering standard says no customer-owned devices may be installed on or inside meters and meter sockets, or between the meter and the socket. It also says customer-owned devices that Consumers did not authorize and install will be removed. This rules out meter collars such as the Tesla Backup Switch unless Consumers itself approves them. For generators, Consumers instead publishes a list of approved combination meter socket and transfer switch units that customers can buy.
Generator and battery disconnect requirements
A standby generator must be kept electrically separate from Consumers' system. Consumers accepts a transfer switch or a similar approved isolation switch, or plugging appliances straight into the generator with properly rated extension cords. Wiring, permits and electrical inspection must meet local and state rules. For grid-connected solar and battery systems, Consumers' application review checklist calls for a blade-style, visible-open, lockable AC disconnect that sits upstream of all power sources, including batteries. It must be outdoors, reachable 24/7, and within 5 feet of the meter, or a weatherproof sign at the meter must show where it is.
- Consumers Energy – Electric Service and Metering Information & Requirements (EMOS-10), Standby Generators
- Consumers Energy – Level 1-3 Exporting Solar Generation Technical Review Checklist (updated 2026-02-02)
- Consumers Energy – Generator Interconnection Procedures, Level 1 & 2 (revised April 11, 2025)
Gas meter upgrades for standby generators
Gas utility: Consumers Energy
Consumers lists a Gas Meter Upgrade as a customer-requested gas service with its own site-readiness rules. One rule is that the gas meter must be at least 3 feet from an ignition source such as a generator. We found no published fee on Consumers' website. A Consumers spokesperson told WXYZ-TV that upgrading a home gas meter for a whole-house generator typically costs $300 to $2,000 or more, depending on the load, generator size, existing meter and site.
- Consumers Energy – Site Readiness Photo Instructions for Customer-Requested Gas Service
- WXYZ-TV Detroit – DTE customer outraged over cost of new gas meter for generator (includes Consumers Energy statement)
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
- Critical Care Program (shut-off protection using the Medical Certification Form)
- What it provides
- Protection from shut-off for customers on life support or with a life-threatening medical condition. It does not include a bill discount. Consumers says backup generators and transportation are not part of the program, and enrollment does not mean power will be restored sooner. A separate medical emergency hold can delay shut-off for 21 days, and up to 63 days in total with additional certificates.
- CPAP / BiPAP
- Not named. The form asks the doctor to write in the equipment used and does not list specific devices.
- Renewal
- Every year. Consumers says you must re-enroll yearly by submitting a new Medical Certification Form.
Backup battery or generator programs
- Program
- None found
- What it provides
- We found no Consumers Energy backup battery or generator program or rebate for medical customers. Its Life Support page says backup generators are not part of the Critical Care Program.
Frequently asked questions
Does Consumers Energy allow meter collar transfer switches like the Tesla Backup Switch?
Not accepted. Consumers Energy's metering standard says no customer-owned devices may be installed on or inside meters and meter sockets, or between the meter and the socket. It also says customer-owned devices that Consumers did not authorize and install will be removed. This rules out meter collars such as the Tesla Backup Switch unless Consumers itself approves them. For generators, Consumers instead publishes a list of approved combination meter socket and transfer switch units that customers can buy.
Does Consumers Energy have a program for customers who use a CPAP or other medical equipment?
Critical Care Program (shut-off protection using the Medical Certification Form): Protection from shut-off for customers on life support or with a life-threatening medical condition. It does not include a bill discount. Consumers says backup generators and transportation are not part of the program, and enrollment does not mean power will be restored sooner. A separate medical emergency hold can delay shut-off for 21 days, and up to 63 days in total with additional certificates. Not named. The form asks the doctor to write in the equipment used and does not list specific devices.
Does Consumers Energy offer backup batteries or generator rebates for medical customers?
We did not find a current backup battery or generator program for medical customers at Consumers Energy. We found no Consumers Energy backup battery or generator program or rebate for medical customers. Its Life Support page says backup generators are not part of the Critical Care Program.
How do I get a bigger gas meter for a standby generator in the Consumers Energy area?
Consumers Energy: Consumers lists a Gas Meter Upgrade as a customer-requested gas service with its own site-readiness rules. One rule is that the gas meter must be at least 3 feet from an ignition source such as a generator. We found no published fee on Consumers' website. A Consumers spokesperson told WXYZ-TV that upgrading a home gas meter for a whole-house generator typically costs $300 to $2,000 or more, depending on the load, generator size, existing meter and site.