Backup power

If you decide to purchase a generator or battery, explore what will work for you. Factors to consider include:

If you don't understand how to use your generator or battery, you risk damaging your property, endangering your life and endangering the lives of PG&E employees who may be working on power lines in your community.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: Operating a portable generator improperly can contribute to fire ignition risk. Users should follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacture before operation. Never connect any generator to another power source, including PG&E power lines.

Portable generator safety

• Be sure that the power needs of the device (electric load) is supported by your generator and does not exceed the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Position your generator where its exhaust can vent safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
• Only use extension cords that are properly sized for your generator to prevent overheating. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) chart can be utilized to determine which extension cord is right for you. AWG measures extension cord thickness; keep in mind that the thicker the cord, the smaller the AWG rating will be.
• Keep cords out of high-traffic areas so they don’t present a tripping hazard.
• Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat can be generated or where damage to a cord may go unnoticed.

Permanent-standby generator safety

• Installation requires a licensed electric contractor or other qualified professional.
• Ensure electricity from your generator does not flow or "backfeed" into PG&E's power lines. The most common way to prevent backfeeding is to install a "double-pole, double-throw transfer switch" along with your permanent standby generator.
• Any additions or adjustments to your house wiring should be inspected by your city or county building department.
• Once installation is complete, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to let us know about your backup system. PG&E line workers will then be aware of your generator when working on an outage in your area.

Portable battery safety

• Follow all warnings and manufacturers' instructions for portable power stations/batteries.
• Never put a battery in a completely sealed environment.
• Do not smoke near batteries.
• Do not have any open flames near batteries.
• If storing on shelves or racks, make sure they are secure.

Home battery safety

• For home battery systems, ensure you are working with a reputable battery manufacturer and a high-quality, trusted installation company.
• Ensure that battery manufacturers meet standardized industry safety regulations.
• Work with a certified battery installer.

Portable Battery Program

PG&E's Portable Battery Program (PBP) provides backup batteries to lessen the impact of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) outage on customers who rely on medical devices.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Reliance on medical equipment that operates on electricity to sustain life.
• Enrolled in the Medical Baseline Program.
• Live in a High Fire-Threat District as defined by this California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Fire Map or have experienced two or more PSPS outages since 2020.

Program partners will first reach out to eligible customers to conduct a phone or email assessment. The assessment surveys customer emergency preparedness plans and medical device information to connect the customer with the best battery available for their needs.

Backup Power Transfer Meter Program

The Backup Power Transfer Meter (BPTM) Program is a free offer available to PG&E customers who are located in a Tier 2 or 3 High Fire-Threat District and/or served by an Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS)-protected circuit. Customers located in these areas must have a compatible generator (XLSX, 23 KB). It is good for a limited time only and subject to change at any time. The offer is not transferrable.

BPTM Program participant eligibility and site qualifications include:

• Participant must be the PG&E customer of record at the site.
• Participants must have a premise in a Tier 2 or 3 High Fire-Threat District as defined by this CPUC Fire Map.
• Business customers must have a 2S-socket meter to participate.
• Participant is the owner of the site or has the owner’s permission for the site’s participation.
• If participant is a Medical Baseline customer, participant agrees participation will not compromise their medical needs and that those needs can be met during a PSPS outage with or without the use of a backup generator.
• Participant’s site must have access to a 30A, 120V/240V with standard NEMA L14-30R plug portable generator with over-current protection.
• The participant’s site must have a 200A meter panel into which the Backup Power Transfer Meter and cable can be installed. The panel must meet the operational purpose for the program.

Generator and Battery Rebate Program

PG&E is offering eligible customers a $300 rebate on the purchase of a qualifying product (generator or battery) to prepare for power outages.

Customers who are enrolled in PG&E’s CARE or FERA program will receive an additional $200 rebate. The total rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the product, nor can it include taxes or shipping costs.

Generator and Battery Rebate Program Eligibility Requirements (must satisfy all to qualify):

• You must have an active residential or business PG&E account.
• You must be located in a Tier 2 or 3 High Fire-Threat District as determined by this CPUC Fire Map or be served by an EPSS-protected circuit. See if your home or business is protected by these enhanced safety settings by emailing GeneratorBatteryRebateProgram@pge.com.
• Your product must be in the Qualified Product List (XLSX, 63 KB).

Notes (please review these completely to ensure eligibility):

• Limited to one rebate per customer account (either generator or battery, not both).
• All Portable Generators from the Qualified Product List must be compliant with the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Please Note: The rebate application must be submitted within 12 months from purchase date of the qualifying product or by December 31, 2023, whichever date is sooner.

PG&E does not make any endorsements or recommendations. Below is a representative list of suppliers and contractors that may be able to help you. This list is not inclusive. Contact retailers directly for additional information, including FAQs, pricing, and financing.

Alternatives to generators

In contrast to generators, with portable power stations and battery technology you can charge anything from phones to refrigerators and everything in between. These solutions work indoors and out, without the noise, fumes, or maintenance of a traditional gasoline-powered generator.

For more information on portable power stations and battery technology visit PG&E's Energy Action Guide.

Financing options for backup generators and batteries

• Assistive technology: Apply for a low-interest loan for a portable battery. Visit FreedomTech Loan Program.
• Small and medium businesses: Apply for loans up to $250,000. Visit Ascentium Capital.
• Large businesses: Apply for funding up to $5 million. Visit Constant Energy Capital.

Find out about our financial incentives

PG&E provides financial incentives for business and residential customers installing new, qualifying equipment for generating and storing energy.