Backup Power Transfer Meter Program

Eligible customers may receive a free meter

Eligible PG&E customers can receive a free backup power transfer meter. A backup power transfer meter can help you connect to a backup power source during an outage. If you have a compatible generator, you may qualify for one.

The offer is not transferrable. It is good for a limited time only and subject to change at any time. See program qualifications.

List of compatible generators (PDF)

 Note: Compatible generators must:

1. Have a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) L14-30R receptacle, and
2. Be capable of providing output of 30 amps at 240V of power with over current protection.
3. Comply with National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for a non‑bonded (floating neutral) generator.

Customer qualifications

To qualify, you must satisfy the following:

• Have an active residential PG&E account AND EITHER
  • Located in a Tier 2 or 3 High Fire-Threat District (HFTD) OR
  • Located in a High Fire Risk Area (HFRA) OR
  • Serviced by an Enhanced Powerline Safety Setting (EPSS) circuit
• Have 120/240V, 200A or less service.
• Be the PG&E customer of record at the site.
• Have a PG&E SmartMeter™.
• Be the owner of the site or have the owner's permission for the site's participation.
• Agree to provide PG&E with access to the site so we can install the backup power transfer meter and cable.

If you're a Medical Baseline customer, you must also agree that:

• Participation will not compromise your medical needs.
• Your needs can be met during a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), with or without the use of a backup generator.

 Note: PG&E crews will also inspect the panel to make sure it meets the requirements to operate. It will take around one hour to install the backup power transfer meter and cable.

Site qualifications

• You must own a generator that is rated 30A, 120V/240V with a standard National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) L14-30R outlet with overcurrent protection.
  
  
• It must be a single residential home and have a 200A or less meter panel with PG&E SmartMeter. This ensures the backup power transfer meter and cable can be installed. The panel must meet the operational purpose for the program.
• When connecting a portable generator to the BPTM as a whole home backup, the generator must be non-bonded or having a floating neutral to comply with National Electrical Code (NEC).

Available guides

• Backup Power Transfer Meter Program manual (PDF)
• Backup Power Transfer Meter Program fact sheet (PDF)
• Generator Setup and Operation Guidelines (PDF)

Installation guides

Ver 1 Backup Power Transfer Meter Program installation guide (PDF)

Ver 2 Enhanced Backup Power Transfer Meter Program installation guide (PDF)