Abstract: Apparatus and methods for AC power regulation primarily intended for inductive loads (e.g., fluorescent lights, motors, etc.) which provide substantial reduction in power consumption while also providing a leading power factor, reduced harmonic distortion, reduced crest factor and reduced noise. The system is self-adjusting for a wide range of loads and can reduce power consumption by 25 percent in lighting loads while producing minimal reduction in light output. The system utilizes a Triac and parallel capacitor bank in series with the load. The Triac is turned on in response to a near-zero differential voltage measured across the Triac and is turned off near the peak of each AC half cycle by shunting current around the Triac. The capacitor absorbs the inductive turn-off voltage spike caused by the collapsing magnetic field in the ballast at the instant of Triac turn-off. This energy, in turn, provides longer on-period for the lamp, thereby permitting more light and increased operating efficiency.