In one aspect, a var compensator circuit is provided. The var compensator circuit includes a gas tube switch and a reactive impedance. The gas tube switch is configured to be coupled to a transmission line. The transmission line is configured to deliver real power and reactive power to a load at an alternating current (AC) line voltage. The reactive impedance is configured to be coupled to the transmission line at the AC line voltage through the gas tube switch. The reactive impedance is configured to modify the reactive power configured to be delivered to the load.

In another aspect, a var compensator circuit is provided. The var compensator circuit includes a gas tube switching network and a controller. The gas tube switching network is configured to be coupled between a transmission line and a reactive impedance. The transmission line is configured to deliver real power and reactive power to a load at an AC line voltage. The reactive impedance is configured to modify the reactive power configured to be delivered to the load. The gas tube switching network includes at least one gas tube switch. The controller is coupled to the gas tube switching network. The controller is configured to selectively commutate the gas tube switch to couple the reactive impedance to the transmission line and apply the AC line voltage to the reactive impedance.