Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for receiving communication signals that convey data, obtaining energy from a telecommunication line of a telecommunications network where an AC or DC power signal is injected into the telecommunication line and where the energy is utilized by at least a subset of components of a waveguide system, and transmitting electromagnetic waves that convey the data where the electromagnetic waves propagate along a power line of a power grid without requiring an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.