diff --git a/userspace/usr/comma/power_monitor.py b/userspace/usr/comma/power_monitor.py
index fcfcec3..c013b7d 100755
--- a/userspace/usr/comma/power_monitor.py
+++ b/userspace/usr/comma/power_monitor.py
@@ -55,6 +55,9 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
     if read("/data/params/d/IsEngaged").startswith("1"):
       timestamps['engaged'] = time.monotonic()
 
+    # store a max such that we can't go backwards
+    timestamps['max'] = max(timestamps.values())
+
     # time to shutoff?
     dt = timedelta(seconds=time.monotonic() - max(timestamps.values()))
     if dt > THRESHOLD: