Bi-state power operation of an HID lamp system. A power mode control selection determined where a high power mode and a low power mode are selectable. A modulation is determined to generate a driving signal based on the determined power mode control selection. A driving signal is generated based on the determined modulation. The generated driving signal is then applied to the HID lamp. A method of operating an HID lamp is also provided. Power is coupled to an HID lamp with a selectable power signal where the power signal is selectable for full power or reduced power operation.