Embodiments are generally direct to a method and apparatus to provide power to a backplane. In one embodiment, a method is implemented in a backplane to receive power through an upper zone of the backplane. The power is provided by a rear transition power entry module (RT-PEM) operatively coupled to an interface in the upper zone. The power provided by the RT-PEM is routed to interfaces in a lower zone of the backplane. Each lower zone interface distributes at least a portion of the power to a component operatively coupled to the backplane.