A power control apparatus for controlling power consumption in customer premises equipment (CPE) for use in a content and data distribution network includes a detector, operative to determine an operational status of a connection between the CPE and a headend in the content and data distribution network, and a controller coupled with the detector. The controller is operative to place the CPE in a first mode of operation when a power failure event is not present and the operational status is indicative of a loss of connectivity between the CPE and the headend. The apparatus further includes switching circuitry coupled with the controller. The switching circuitry is operative in the first mode to disable power to a first subset of functional modules in the CPE, to thereby reduce power consumption in the CPE.