A system and method that provides lifeline service to DSL customers when a loss-of-power message is sent to the central office from an integrated access device on the customer premise. If a predetermined number of loss-of-power messages are received then power is provided to the integrated access device from the central office. To this end, a power supply at the central office provides power through an isolator circuit to a relay. The relay is connected through to the twisted pair to the integrated access device. The data connection may also be powered in this manner or, in order to save further wattage, the data connection may be disconnected for the duration of the power outage.