Backup Power for Medical Equipment and Elderly Family Members During an Outage
Devices like CPAP machines, home oxygen concentrators, mobility scooters, and refrigerated medication all depend on power in ways that go beyond convenience — plan backup power for these before an outage, not during one.
Contact your utility about medical-priority or vulnerable-customer programs — many utilities maintain a list for prioritized restoration or advance outage notice for customers with documented medical equipment needs.
This is general information, not medical advice — talk to your equipment manufacturer or physician about your specific device's power requirements and any battery backup time limits.
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What is a utility medical-priority or vulnerable-customer program?
Many utilities maintain a registry for customers who depend on electricity for medical equipment, which can mean advance notice of planned outages or prioritized restoration during unplanned ones. Contact your specific utility to ask about enrollment and what it actually guarantees, since programs vary by provider.
How much backup power does home medical equipment need?
It varies widely by device — a CPAP draws well under 100W, while an oxygen concentrator or other larger medical device can draw significantly more. Check your specific equipment's power rating (usually on its power supply or in the manual) rather than assuming, and size a battery or power station to that actual figure with margin.
Is this guidance a substitute for talking to my doctor?
No — this is general planning information, not medical advice. Talk to your equipment manufacturer or physician about your specific device's power requirements, any battery backup time limits, and what to do if backup power isn't available in time.