A method for controlling a line-powered network element in an access network is provided. The method includes provisioning at least one instance of a line power controller at the line-powered network element, provisioning at least one conductive medium associated with the at least one instance of the line power controller, receiving at least one primitive for use by the line power controller for managing the line-powered network element, monitoring at least one of the at least one primitive, and selectively taking action through the at least one line power controller based on the monitored ones of the at least one primitive in response to power conditions for the line-powered network element. (FIG.1) 0 ADC DSL SYSTEMS, INC., Address of the Applicant: 13625, TECHNOLOGY DRIVE, EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344-2252, USA. 02316/KOLNP/2005 A 2316/KOLNP/2005 INDIA 2009-03-27T15:59:32Z 2006-10-27 2005-11-21 424360 H04L WO 04/109963 18174 0 359 USA 2003-05-30 10/449,259 2006-10-27 0 33RwO4xV 2009-04-30T18:56:29Z 136256 ADC DSL SYSTEMS 53602 /app_images/9/c/9/7/43ei_R2208.png