A backup power supply, comprising: a storage medium for holding an electrical charge and being configured to be connected and disconnected from an electrical device; a source of intermittent power coupled to a power supply and the electrical device being configured to provide an amount of power to the electrical device for a period of time long enough to connect the storage medium to the electrical device. An operating system for determining whether the electrical device requires power from the storage medium. In one embodiment the operating system monitors the current of the source of intermittent power and if the current exceeds a predetermined limit the operating system couples the storage medium to the electrical device by manipulating the position of a switching device disposed between the electrical storage medium and the electrical device.