Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit is provided for starting, operating and controlling the brightness of one or more fluorescent lamps. The brightness of the lamps is controlled over the full range of brightness from zero to full-rated power. The circuit power factor is controllable, and is preferably operated at a relatively high leading power factor. The circuit includes a capacitive ballast working in conjunction with a gapped transformer so as to provide the high leading power factor while, at the same time, maintaining stable and uniform brightness of the lamps. A power field effect transistor is utilized to function as a current stabilizer in conjunction with the capacitive ballast and gapped transformer. The system incorporates a dimming control circuit for increasing and decreasing the brightness of the lamps.