A bipolar junction transistor (BJT) may be used to generate a supply voltage for operating a controller, such as a lighting controller for a LED-based light bulb. A base of the BJT may receive current generated from the supply voltage to control operation of the BJT. Although the base of the BJT would be at a lower voltage than the emitter, a base drive circuit may be coupled between the emitter and the base of the BJT to increase the voltage. As one example, the base drive circuit may be a charge pump. In another example, the BJT may function as its own charge pump. In yet another example, a positive and a negative base current of the BJT may be independently controlled to regulate an output supply voltage VDD from the BJT.