When the Lights Go Out: How to Stay Connected During Power Outages
Over the past few weeks, our area has been battered by severe storms that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread power outages. While CEMC does everything we can to keep our system online, extreme weather can still cause damage that knocks out power. And when the lights go out, your need to stay connected doesn’t—especially if you rely on internet for weather alerts, remote work, or simply checking in with loved ones. The good news? With a little preparation, it’s possible to stay online even if the power goes off. Here’s how fiber internet works during an outage, what equipment you’ll need to keep it running, and why being proactive makes all the difference.
How Fiber Internet Works During an Outage
Unlike older internet technologies that rely on coax cable or copper lines, fiber-optic internet uses strands of glass to transmit data as light—meaning the fiber lines themselves don’t require electrical power to function. That’s a big advantage when the power goes out.
However, the equipment inside your home—such as your router—does need power to deliver service. So even if the fiber connection to your home is still active, you won’t be able to access the internet unless those devices remain powered.
What You Need to Stay Connected
The key to keeping your internet running during a power outage is having the right kind of backup power. Here are a few options to consider:
Battery Backup Units
A battery backup unit is a compact device that supplies emergency power to your equipment. Many battery backups can provide several hours of runtime—enough to get through shorter outages. These can often be installed in the same area as your router.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies
These devices are a bit beefier than a battery backup, because they can provide power to multiple devices at once and are often used to protect sensitive electronics. Choose a model with at least 600VA capacity for a basic setup, or go higher if you want more runtime.
Portable Power Stations
For extended outages—or if you want to power additional devices like laptops or phones—portable power stations are a smart investment. Unlike noisy gas generators, these battery-powered units are safe for indoor use and can be recharged via wall outlets or solar panels. Many can power your internet setup for several hours or even longer.
Pro Tips for Storm Readiness
- Charge everything ahead of time. Phones, tablets, power banks, and laptops should be fully charged when storms are in the forecast.
- Use hardwired connections when possible. Ethernet cables provide more stable performance than Wi-Fi during any power or signal fluctuations.
- Know how to restart your network. After an outage, your router may need to be power-cycled. Wait for power to stabilize before rebooting to avoid surge damage.
Why Fiber Still Outperforms in Tough Conditions
One of the many advantages of fiber internet is its durability. Fiber is less vulnerable to electromagnetic interference and weather-related disruption than copper-based systems. We also use armored fiber cables which makes them able to withstand heavy damage.
Because the core network remains active even during major storms, restoring individual connections is often faster and more straightforward—especially when local crews like ours are handling the job.
Unlike cable networks, which often see neighborhood-wide slowdowns under stress, fiber provides a dedicated connection to your home, maintaining higher performance levels even in high-demand scenarios.
Looking Ahead: Building a Resilient Smart Home
As smart home technology becomes more common, many families are investing in systems that increase home resilience. Battery-powered security systems, solar energy backups, and even smart surge protectors are making it easier to weather the storm.
While we can’t predict when the next outage will happen, having a fiber connection from Cumberland Connect, backed by the right equipment, helps ensure you’re never left in the dark when it matters most.
