Abstract: To eliminate problems caused by the use of batteries for back-up power in outside plant facilities of a communication network or the like, the batteries are replaced with flywheel reserve power systems, in accord with the invention. Specific applications of flywheel power systems include flywheel systems to supply power to the optical terminal of a digital loop carrier type system, for a telephone network. Other applications relate to flywheel systems to supply power to optical network units (ONUs) in fiber to the curb or fiber to the home type communication networks. In the preferred embodiments, the flywheel power systems include intelligent components for monitoring and controlling operations of the power systems. Communication links are provided, to enable the monitoring and control components to report status to and receive control instructions from a centralized network control or management center.