A double fed synchronous generator motor which is coupled to a reversible pump-turbine and operated while switched to a power generating operation mode or a pumping operation mode, is equipped with a controller for controlling the double fed synchronous generator motor so that power output from the double fed synchronous generator motor is coincident with an instruction value and the rotating speed is set between upper and lower limit values of the rotating speed by changing exciting current. In the power generating operation mode, the lower limit value of the rotating speed is varied by active power output from the double fed synchronous generator motor, and when the active power is small, the lower limit value of the rotating speed is set to a smaller value than that when the active power is large.