Abstract: The invention concerns the distribution of electric power to several functional units (10, 11, 12) with variable power consumption. A preset limit value (Pmax) of the total power supply which is lower than the sum of the highest possible individual powers (P10, P11, P12) is maintained. By evaluating the total power consumption (I) or the operating voltage (U) of all functional units (10, 11, 12), an increase in the supply current or a drop in operating voltage (U) is used to reduce the supply current (I3) of functional units(12) of a lower importance is favor of the supply current of functional units (11) of a higher importance. This invention is used especially in electrical telephone subscriber's stations that are supplied over the subscriber's line.