Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for correcting the power factor of an input alternating current signal. The invention is adapted to generating an AC output signal connectable to one or more loads, such as capacitive loads. The circuit includes an energy storage inductor connected in series between the input and output terminals. A short circuit path is provided to connect output terminals during a portion of each half cycle of the AC input voltage waveform. The portion corresponds to the time necessary for the inductor to reach a level substantially corresponding to the peak level of current through the inductor when the short circuit path is disabled. In the preferred embodiment the enablement of the short circuit path between ouput terminals commences at the time the input voltage waveform crosses the zero reference value, and ends at a time at which the AC output voltage exceeds the input voltage.