Abstract: Systems and methods for extending battery backup power to an electrical substation include or utilize a latching direct current contactor having a current input and a current output, and a controller configured to monitor all alternating current inputs to an electrical substation, and to trip the latching direct current contactor when all alternating current inputs and auxiliary power to the electrical substation are dead, whereby direct current does not flow through the latching direct current contactor when supplied loads in the substation, such as relaying and communications, are not needed, and to close the latching direct current contactor when at least one alternating current input or auxiliary power is live, whereby direct current flows through the latching direct current contactor when the direct current supplied loads are needed.