<p>An electric power source for use in an electrostatic precipitator includes a first high voltage DC source having an output terminal adapted to be connected to discharge electrodes of the electrostatic precipitator. An inductor is connected at its one end through a coupling capacitor to the output terminal. A controlled rectifier is connected at its an anode to the other end of the inductor and has a grounded cathode. A diode is connected in a reversed parallel to the controlled rectifier. There is also provided a second high voltage DC source having a high output impedance and connected to the inductor, and the controlled rectifier is turned on and off by a controller.</p>