Disclosed is a system and method for generating time variant and invariant electric fields (E-fields) for various applications. Generating the E-field utilizes high impedance dielectric materials having a collection of three imperative material properties: high permittivity (ϵ), high volume resistivity (ρ) and high maximum allowable E-field stress (φ) and physical geometries that take advantage of the manner in which E-fields are divided or distributed in series capacitance networks. The generated E-field can act upon a subject material, including a gas, liquid or solid, wherein the material is stationary or in motion. The method allows an E-field of given intensity to be set up in the subject material with a significantly lower applied voltage Φa, or conversely, a significantly higher E-field intensity with a given applied voltage Φa. The method forestalls electric conduction current through the subject material, thus significantly reducing electric conduction current, energy consumption, ohmic heating, and preempting electrochemical reactions at the electrode/fluid interfaces. Acoustic energy may also be applied.