San Diego Gas & Electric Company: generator, battery backup & CPAP rules
Service area: San Diego County and southern Orange County.
Meter collar transfer switches
Accepted
SDG&E's Meter Socket Adapter Program allows customer-owned adapters from its approved list: ConnectDER IslandDER, Enphase IQ Meter Collar (MC-200-011-V01), NeWorld EQB MIM 300 Plus PE and Tesla Backup Switch. All are isolating devices approved for solar and battery systems; none is listed for a fuel generator. They are approved only for single-family, single-phase 120/240-volt homes with a Form 2S meter socket and service rated 200 amps or less. You buy the device, apply online, and an SDG&E authorized agent installs it for a fee that varies by device; solar or battery systems also need a separate Rule 21 application.
Generator and battery disconnect requirements
SDG&E recommends a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch to keep a standby generator from sending power back into the grid. California law requires you to notify SDG&E when you install a permanent standby generator. SDG&E says any generator installed with an automatic transfer switch needs a Backup Generator Application for review and approval. Generators or batteries that run in parallel with the grid go through Electric Rule 21 interconnection.
Gas meter upgrades for standby generators
Gas utility: SDG&E
SDG&E's standby generator notification package includes a Natural Gas Service Datasheet for gas-fueled generators, which SDG&E uses to decide whether your existing gas service can support the generator. We found no published fee for a 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
- Medical Baseline Allowance Program
- What it provides
- Extra gas and electricity at the lowest residential price, plus a line-item bill discount. Customers on untiered rates get a 20% discount on electric charges; on tiered rates the discount is moving from about 36% to about 20% over four years. It does not guarantee power during outages.
- CPAP / BiPAP
- Yes. SDG&E's qualifying list names CPAP, oxygen generators, compressors and concentrators, and respirators (all types). BiPAP is not named.
- Renewal
- If the doctor says the condition is not permanent, a new application with a doctor's certification every two years. If permanent, a self-certification form every four years.
Backup battery or generator programs
- Program
- Generator Assistance Program (Medical Baseline and Access and Functional Needs rebate)
- What it provides
- For 2026, a $300 rebate on a qualifying new fuel generator and a $525 rebate on a qualifying new portable power station, one of each per household, bought in California. Fuel generators must be CARB compliant with a carbon monoxide sensor and shutoff. SDG&E's new Customized Resiliency Assessments program is replacing the Generator Grant Program and keeps loaner batteries available during active power shutoffs. The no-cost Fixed Backup Power generator program is full and not taking applications.
- Eligibility
- Current SDG&E electric customers enrolled in Medical Baseline or Access and Functional Needs who live in a High Fire Threat District Tier 2 or 3 and have had at least one Public Safety Power Shutoff. Customers who got a rebate in an earlier year are not eligible.
Frequently asked questions
Does SDG&E allow meter collar transfer switches like the Tesla Backup Switch?
Accepted. SDG&E's Meter Socket Adapter Program allows customer-owned adapters from its approved list: ConnectDER IslandDER, Enphase IQ Meter Collar (MC-200-011-V01), NeWorld EQB MIM 300 Plus PE and Tesla Backup Switch. All are isolating devices approved for solar and battery systems; none is listed for a fuel generator. They are approved only for single-family, single-phase 120/240-volt homes with a Form 2S meter socket and service rated 200 amps or less. You buy the device, apply online, and an SDG&E authorized agent installs it for a fee that varies by device; solar or battery systems also need a separate Rule 21 application.
Does SDG&E have a program for customers who use a CPAP or other medical equipment?
Medical Baseline Allowance Program: Extra gas and electricity at the lowest residential price, plus a line-item bill discount. Customers on untiered rates get a 20% discount on electric charges; on tiered rates the discount is moving from about 36% to about 20% over four years. It does not guarantee power during outages. Yes. SDG&E's qualifying list names CPAP, oxygen generators, compressors and concentrators, and respirators (all types). BiPAP is not named.
Does SDG&E offer backup batteries or generator rebates for medical customers?
Generator Assistance Program (Medical Baseline and Access and Functional Needs rebate): For 2026, a $300 rebate on a qualifying new fuel generator and a $525 rebate on a qualifying new portable power station, one of each per household, bought in California. Fuel generators must be CARB compliant with a carbon monoxide sensor and shutoff. SDG&E's new Customized Resiliency Assessments program is replacing the Generator Grant Program and keeps loaner batteries available during active power shutoffs. The no-cost Fixed Backup Power generator program is full and not taking applications. Eligibility: Current SDG&E electric customers enrolled in Medical Baseline or Access and Functional Needs who live in a High Fire Threat District Tier 2 or 3 and have had at least one Public Safety Power Shutoff. Customers who got a rebate in an earlier year are not eligible.
How do I get a bigger gas meter for a standby generator in the SDG&E area?
SDG&E: SDG&E's standby generator notification package includes a Natural Gas Service Datasheet for gas-fueled generators, which SDG&E uses to decide whether your existing gas service can support the generator. We found no published fee for a gas meter upgrade.