There is provided a data storage system comprising a power supply module, a plurality of serially connected storage enclosures, where a first storage enclosure of the plurality of serially connected storage enclosures is connected to the power supply module, and a power management module connected to the power supply module. A given storage enclosure includes at least one disk storage. The power management module is configured to selectively cause the power supply module to provide electric power to activate the first storage enclosure. The power management module is further configured to selectively cause the power supply module to provide electric power to activate a second storage enclosure, where the second storage enclosure is connected downstream from the first storage enclosure, and the second storage enclosure is configured to selectively receive power from the power supply module in response to the first storage enclosure being active.