Abstract: A high pressure gas discharge lamp is operated with normal output by at least predominantly low frequency energy supplied from a conventional power supply unit, and is operated at lower than 25 percent of the normal output by at least predominantly high frequency energy supplied from an electronic power supply unit. The electric output fed to the lamp is controlled. At any level of operation, a steady burning of the lamp for saving service life of the lamp is guaranteed. The switching arrangement, in addition to a conventional power supply unit, has an electronic power supply unit. The electronic power supply unit feeds the lamp with energy at a frequency which is higher than that of the energy supplied from the conventional power supply unit.