Remote workers and freelancers face a unique problem during power outages: losing power doesn’t just mean inconvenience — it means losing income. Here’s exactly how to keep working when your apartment goes dark.
Your 3 Problems (and Solutions)
Working from home during a power outage has three core problems: no laptop power, no internet, and no light. Solve all three and you can work through almost any outage.
Problem 1: No Laptop Power
A fully charged laptop gives you 4–8 hours of work depending on the model. But that runs out. The solution is a portable power station.
A Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (~$299) can charge a MacBook Pro approximately 3–4 times. That’s a full workday of laptop power from a device the size of a shoebox. Charge it from the wall when power is on; run your laptop from it when power is out.
Minimum spec you need: 200Wh capacity, at least one AC outlet (check your laptop wattage — most are 45–96W).
Problem 2: No Internet
Your Wi-Fi router needs power. And even if you have a battery backup for your router, your ISP’s equipment on the street also needs power. During widespread outages, your internet is likely down regardless.
Solutions in order of reliability:
- Mobile hotspot: Your phone can become a Wi-Fi hotspot. Most plans include hotspot data. This is your first line of defense. Get a phone holder that keeps your phone propped up and out of direct sun to prevent overheating.
- Dedicated mobile hotspot device: A dedicated hotspot like the Netgear Nighthawk M6 runs on its own battery and gives better speeds and battery life than your phone. ~$200 with a prepaid plan.
- Go somewhere: Libraries, coffee shops, and many fast food restaurants have free Wi-Fi and power. This is often the most practical solution for extended outages.
Problem 3: No Light
You need enough light to see your screen and your keyboard without eye strain. A battery-powered LED desk lamp solves this completely. The BenQ e-Reading Lamp has a battery-powered mode and excellent color rendering. At ~$50 it’s a solid investment for remote workers.
The Work-From-Home Power Outage Kit
- Portable power station (300Wh+)
- Phone with hotspot capability (and a plan that includes hotspot data)
- Battery-powered desk lamp
- Laptop fully charged at all times (make it a habit to keep it above 50%)
- Notepad and pen (for when digital fails completely)
The Longer-Term Solution: UPS for Your Router
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) keeps your router running during short outages. The APC Back-UPS 600VA (~$80) can power a typical home router for 3–4 hours. This solves the internet problem for most city outages without you doing anything.
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