In one embodiment, a gateway includes an interface, and a processor cooperatively operable with the interface to transmit and receive packet communications. The processor receives, over the interface, a request-notification for a backup battery status, which is formatted according to a media gateway control protocol (MGCP) package protocol. The processor transmits, over the interface, a notify of an observed event, the observed event indicating the backup battery status which is formatted according to the MGCP package protocol. In another embodiment, a call agent includes an interface and a processor. The call agent processor transmits a request-notification for a backup battery status, which is formatted according to a media gateway control protocol (MGCP) package protocol. The call agent processor also receives a notify of an observed event over the interface, the observed event indicating the backup battery status, which is formatted according to the MGCP package protocol.