Abstract: An energy management circuit for use in a telephone or other device which includes an electronic memory is disclosed. The invention provides a capacitive keep alive power supply to maintain said memory in an active condition during extended periods when the device is disconnected from a line power source, as in a telephone on-hook condition. A large capacitor charge is maintained within a predetermined voltage range during such disconnect conditions by a resistively coupled trickle charge power source. A comparator is operated to monitor capacitor charge and to produce a control signal when the voltage at the capacitor falls below a selected memory keep alive level. The control signal operates a switch to bypass the trickle charge circuit. The switch couples line power directly to the capacitor to charge the capacitor to a voltage sufficient to maintain memory contents intact. A switch inhibit circuit is provided to prevent trickle charge bypass during an inadequate or excessive line voltage condition.