An improved method and apparatus for managing an application of power with a power generator to a load, the apparatus comprising a power generator configured to apply power to the load; a controller coupled to the power generator, the controller configured to control a plurality of parameters to optimize operational performance of the power system in response to indicia of operational performance of the power system; and a performance assessor, coupled to the power generator and coupled to the controller, the performance assessor configured to provide the indicia of operational performance of the power system to the controller, where the indicia of the operational performance are relative to a plurality of metrics indicative of operational efficiency of the power system.