Electric Rule 21

Electric Rule 21 is a tariff (or set of regulations) that describes the interconnection, operation and metering requirements for distributed generators to be connected to a utility’s distribution system. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has jurisdiction over the Electric Rule 21 tariff. The Rule 21 tariff and the related CPUC-approved interconnection agreements are generally the same for each of California’s large investor-owned utilities (PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Edison), and are available on the utilities' websites. View PG&E's version of the Rule 21 tariff.

• Generate power for their own use only and do not export power to the electric grid (non-export).
• Generate power for their own use and for export to the electric grid for credit on their PG&E bills.
• Operate as qualifying facilities (QFs), as defined by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC's) Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA), that sell (or export) all of their energy to the grid to PG&E through a PURPA Power Purchase Agreement.

For information regarding the above programs, view Self Generation Options under Rule 21 .

• Generators who intend isolated operation, including with backup generators. For more information see PG&E’s Distribution Interconnection Handbook. 
• Generators who participate in the FERC Wholesale market. View information regarding Wholesale interconnections.

If you can't find what you need on this site about Rule 21, you can always contact PG&E. Our EGI team members are happy to help. You'll find contact information on the pages specific to your type of project, or email gen@pge.com.