A method and system for powering of an electronic apparatus having a base unit and one or more portable units is disclosed. The electronic apparatus can be, for example, a cordless telephone system that includes a base unit and a portable unit. The base unit is normally powered by an external power supply. Each portable unit includes a battery pack, preferably a rechargeable battery pack. The portable unit can be placed into a cradle in the base unit. Preferably, the battery pack of the portable unit can be recharged when power is present from the external power supply. Upon failure of the external power supply, the base unit receives power from the battery pack of the portable unit. Thus, the electronic apparatus remains operational even during the power failure. In the context of a cordless telephone, the base unit can be operational during the power failure via a speakerphone operation or additional portable units that are capable of communication with the base unit.