A reference voltage circuit has a reference voltage source, a charge storage device and also switching devices, which enable occasional operation of the reference voltage source during an on-time period. A reference voltage generated by the reference voltage source during the on-time period is stored in analog form with the charge storage device for the duration of an off-time period. The reference voltage source draws an operating current only during the on-time period. The result is a reduction of the power consumption. During the generation of the reference voltage, the operating current of the reference voltage source is not reduced compared with conventional reference voltage circuits.