A switched linear regulator includes a control device with a controlled current path and a control electrode. The current path is connected in series with a source of voltage and a load. An error signal generator compares the load voltage with a reference value to generate a degenerative error signal. The error signal is coupled to the control electrode with a voltage offset. An OFF control signal source includes a transistor which is connected to the control electrode to swamp or overpower the error signal, and render the controlled current path nonconductive. Thus, the same active control element both linearly regulates and provides an ON-OFF function. A speed-up transistor responds to the OFF signal to short the control electrode to a reference voltage to quickly discharge capacitance at the control electrode.