An alerting system for a selective call communication receiver (10) which includes a battery (26A, 26B) for supplying energy at a first supply rate and a receiver (14) coupled thereto for receiving transmitted selective call message signals includes a decoder (16), a power source (44), an annunciator (34) and a charging circuit (36). The decoder (16) is coupled to the battery (26A, 26B) and decodes the received selective call message signals and generates an alert signal output in response to the received selective call message signals. The power source (44) is capable of being charged and supplies energy at a second supply rate. The annunciator (34) is coupled to the power source (44) and is responsive to the alert signal output for providing a sensible alert. The annunciator (34) consumes energy at the second supply rate when providing the sensible alert. The charging circuit (36) is coupled to the battery (26A, 26B) and is responsive to the sensible alert being generated for charging the power source (44) from the battery (26A, 26B) to replenish the energy consumed during the generation of the sensible alert.