Abstract: A line powered telephoe is disclosed in which the telephone is not powered from a separate external source. The improved pay telephone is powered solely by loop current available on the telephone line from the central office. A rechargeable battery is provided to store excess loop current to enable operation of the pay telephone when not off-hook to the central office. Power consumption by components of the telephone is minimized by shutting down unnecessary functions on a selective basis to ensure that sufficient excess loop current is available to recharge the battery. In addition, an improved switched-capacitor circuit is disclosed to enable storage of electricity at a voltage potential higher than the off-hook line voltage to enable firing of standard high voltage relays for coin collection and coin return.