An apparatus, system, and method for increasing life of a high intensity lighting fixture light source. In one aspect, the method involves installing a new HID lamp in the fixture in combination with retrofitting a circuit that operates the lamp at a reduced wattage over a substantial period of operation time to save energy. In another aspect, the circuit comprises switchable capacitants adopted to operate the lamp at a reduced wattage over a substantial period of operation time. In another aspect of the invention, instead of retrofitting, the entire lighting fixture could be replaced at the end of a predetermined operating period and replaced with a balasting system that includes switchable levels of capacitants to reduce operating wattage to the lamp for at least the first substantial operating period.