Program Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rebate Amount | $300 standard / $500 for CARE/FERA participants |
| Program Deadline | December 31, 2026 |
| Application Window | Within 12 months of purchase |
| Rebates Per Account | One rebate only |
| Eligible Customers | Residential and business PG&E accounts |
| Eligible Areas | HFTD Tier 2/3, HFRA, or EPSS circuits |
| Generator Requirements | CARB-compliant, on approved list or verified |
| Battery Requirements | 290Wh – 1,000Wh capacity, portable only |
| Processing Time | 6-8 weeks |
| Application Method | Online through PG&E Energy Insight Portal |
| Program Contact | GeneratorBatteryRebateProgram@pge.com |
Quick Summary
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is offering rebates up to $500 for customers who purchase portable generators or battery backup systems. The program targets residential and business customers in California’s high fire-risk areas who need backup power during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and other outages.
Standard rebates of $300 are available to qualifying customers, with an additional $200 for participants in PG&E’s California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs. Applications must be submitted within 12 months of purchase or by December 31, 2026, whichever comes first.
To qualify, customers must have an active residential or business PG&E electric account and reside in a High Fire-Threat District (Tier 2 or 3), High Fire Risk Area, or area served by Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings circuits. Products must be purchased new and either appear on PG&E’s qualified product list or be verified as eligible.
Rebate Amounts and Eligibility
Standard Rebate Program
PG&E provides a $300 rebate for one approved portable generator or battery per PG&E account. The rebate is limited to one per account and cannot exceed the purchase price of the equipment.
Enhanced Rebate for Income-Qualified Customers
Customers enrolled in PG&E’s CARE or FERA programs qualify for an additional $200, bringing the total rebate to $500. Enrollment in these programs must be active at the time of application.
The rebate cannot be combined with other PG&E energy efficiency rebates for the same product, nor can customers receive rebates from multiple California utilities for identical equipment.
Customer Eligibility
The program is available to both residential and business customers with active PG&E electric accounts.
Location Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following geographic criteria:
High Fire-Threat District (HFTD) Tier 2 or 3: Areas designated by the California Public Utilities Commission as having elevated wildfire risk.
High Fire Risk Area (HFRA): Zones identified through PG&E’s wildfire risk modeling.
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) circuits: Areas where PG&E has implemented advanced safety protocols that may result in more frequent power shutoffs.
Customers can verify their eligibility using PG&E’s online Wildfire Safety Map available at pge.com.
Program Exclusions
The following customers are not eligible:
- Previous recipients of PG&E’s Portable Battery Program rebate
- Participants in the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program
- Customers without active PG&E electric service
Qualifying Products
Portable Generators
Generators must be CARB-compliant (California Air Resources Board certified) and meet PG&E’s requirements. There are two ways to qualify:
Option 1: Approved Product List
Purchase a generator from PG&E’s pre-approved Qualified Product List, which includes models such as:
- Honda EU2200i inverter generator (2,200 watts)
- Champion 3400-watt dual-fuel inverter
- Westinghouse iGen4500 inverter generator
- WEN 56203i portable inverter (2,000 watts)
- Generac GP3500iO portable generator
The complete list is available as a downloadable PDF on PG&E’s website.
Option 2: Verify CARB Compliance
If your generator is not on the approved list, you can verify eligibility:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website
- Search for your model number (found on the generator or product manual)
- Check product specifications for “CARB compliant – Yes”
- Email GeneratorBatteryRebateProgram@pge.com to confirm eligibility before applying
Portable Battery Systems
Battery products must meet strict capacity requirements:
Minimum capacity: 290 watt-hours (Wh) Maximum capacity: 1,000 watt-hours (Wh)
Products exceeding 1,000Wh (such as 1,024Wh, 1,057Wh, or 2,000Wh models) do not qualify, even if only slightly over the limit.
Type: Portable, not permanently installed systems
Verify Unlisted Batteries:
If your battery is not on PG&E’s approved list:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website
- Search for your model number
- Verify capacity is between 290Wh and 1,000Wh
- Email GeneratorBatteryRebateProgram@pge.com to confirm eligibility
Product Exclusions
The following products are explicitly excluded from rebate eligibility:
- Resale, rebuilt, refurbished, or open-box merchandise
- Equipment rented or leased for less than five years
- Products received through warranty or insurance claims
- Equipment won as prizes or promotions
- Items with new parts installed in existing equipment
- Products discounted by PG&E at point of sale
- USB power stations and USB power banks
- Non-integrated batteries
- Automotive batteries
- Power inverters
- Commercial power stations
Application Process
Step 1: Purchase Qualifying Equipment
Customers may purchase qualifying products from any retailer, including online vendors, home improvement stores, or directly from manufacturers. The product must either appear on PG&E’s qualified product list or be verified as CARB-compliant before purchase.
Retain all purchase documentation, including itemized receipts showing the purchase date, product description, and total cost including taxes and shipping.
Step 2: Await Delivery
Applications cannot be submitted until the product has been delivered and received. The receipt must show proof of delivery before you can apply.
Step 3: Compile Required Documentation
Before beginning the application, gather the following:
- Proof of purchase (itemized receipt showing delivery)
- PG&E account number (10-digit Service Agreement ID)
- Product serial number and model information
- Product specifications (if not on approved list)
Step 4: Submit Online Application
Applications are submitted through PG&E’s online portal. Access the application by visiting pge.com and searching for “generator battery rebate application” or going directly to the rebate application portal.
Complete all required fields and upload clear, legible copies of all documentation.
Step 5: Application Review
PG&E processes applications in the order received. Typical processing time is six to eight weeks, though this may vary during periods of high application volume.
PG&E may request additional documentation or clarification. Customers must respond to such requests promptly to avoid application delays or rejection.
Critical Deadlines and Timing
Program End Date
The Generator and Battery Rebate Program concludes on December 31, 2026. No applications will be accepted after this date regardless of purchase date.
Application Submission Window
Applications must be submitted within 12 months of the product purchase date OR by December 31, 2026, whichever date occurs first.
Example timeline:
- Purchase date: March 15, 2026
- 12-month deadline: March 15, 2027
- Program end date: December 31, 2026
- Actual application deadline: December 31, 2026
Funding Limitations
Rebate funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once program funds are depleted, PG&E will cease accepting applications even if the December 31, 2026 deadline has not been reached.
Customers are encouraged to submit applications promptly after product delivery to ensure funding availability.
Backup Power Transfer Meter Compatibility
Some generators purchased under this rebate program may be compatible with PG&E’s Backup Power Transfer Meter (BPTM) Program, which enables nearly seamless switching from grid power to generator power during outages.
Important distinction: Not all generators on the Generator and Battery Rebate Program qualified products list are compatible with the BPTM Program, and not all BPTM-compatible generators are eligible for this rebate program.
To learn about BPTM eligibility and product requirements, visit PG&E’s Backup Power Transfer Meter webpage.
Safety Considerations
PG&E emphasizes critical safety information for generator and battery operation:
Portable Generator Safety
- Never operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces
- Maintain adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation
- Position generators away from flammable materials
- Follow manufacturer refueling instructions and store fuel in approved containers
- Use appropriately sized extension cords rated for outdoor use
- Do not exceed manufacturer specifications for electrical load
- Seek professional installation assistance if permanent connections are required
Battery System Safety
- Purchase only tested and certified lithium battery systems
- Use manufacturer-approved chargers and replacement batteries
- Remove devices from chargers when fully charged
- Store batteries in cool, dry, fire-resistant locations
- Discontinue use if batteries show signs of damage or overheating
- Follow local regulations for battery disposal and recycling
Prohibited Connections
Under no circumstances should backup power equipment be connected directly to PG&E power lines. All installations requiring connection to home electrical systems must include proper transfer switches installed by licensed electricians to prevent dangerous backfeeding conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply before receiving my product?
No. Applications require proof of purchase showing the product has been delivered and received.
Are generators purchased in 2025 eligible?
Yes, provided the application is submitted within 12 months of purchase and before December 31, 2026.
Do I need CARE or FERA enrollment to receive a rebate?
No. The $300 base rebate is available to all qualifying customers. CARE and FERA participants receive an additional $200.
Can I receive rebates for multiple products?
No. The program limits customers to one rebate per PG&E account regardless of the number of qualifying products purchased.
What if my generator isn’t on the approved list?
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for CARB compliance. If it shows “CARB compliant – Yes,” email GeneratorBatteryRebateProgram@pge.com to verify eligibility before purchasing.
What if my battery is 1,024Wh?
Products exceeding 1,000Wh do not qualify, even if only slightly over the limit. The maximum is strictly 1,000Wh.
Can business customers apply?
Yes. Both residential and business PG&E customers are eligible if they meet location requirements.
How do I verify my location qualifies?
Use PG&E’s online Wildfire Safety Map to determine if your address is in a High Fire-Threat District, High Fire Risk Area, or served by EPSS circuits.
What happens if program funding is exhausted?
Rebates are awarded first-come, first-served. Once funding is depleted, PG&E will stop accepting applications regardless of whether the December 31, 2026 deadline has been reached.
Is my generator compatible with the Transfer Meter program?
Check PG&E’s Backup Power Transfer Meter Program webpage, as not all rebate-eligible generators are BPTM-compatible.
Application Resources
Required Documents
PG&E maintains several program documents:
Qualified Product List (PDF): Pre-approved generators and example batteries
Backup Power Fact Sheet (PDF): Safety and selection guidance
Terms and Conditions (PDF): Complete legal terms governing program participation
All documents are available at pge.com by searching “generator battery rebate.”
Contact Information
Program questions should be directed to:
Email: GeneratorBatteryRebateProgram@pge.com
General PG&E customer service: 1-800-743-5000
Eligibility Verification
Check service address eligibility:
- Wildfire Safety Map: Available at pge.com
- EPSS circuit information: Search “EPSS” at pge.com
- HFTD tier information: ia.cpuc.ca.gov/firemap
Important Notice
PG&E is not responsible for providing backup power during power outages. The company will provide as much support as possible for energy solutions, but customers are responsible for their own backup power needs.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes PG&E’s Generator and Battery Rebate Program based on official program documentation current as of February 2026. All rebates are issued by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Exspenditure.com is an independent publication not affiliated with PG&E and does not administer this rebate program. Program terms, eligible products, and funding availability are subject to change. For current official information, visit pge.com or contact PG&E directly.
