The use of a superconducting element as the active part of a fault current limiter for the power utilities is considered. Such a device is technically feasible over a wide range of parameters for the required electrical power source and material properties of the superconductors available. Limiting is achieved by driving the superconductor into its resistive state and commuting the current into a shunt resistor. For a three phase, 145 KV (RMS), 2 KA (RMS) line, the total cost excluding installation in the power system and shunt resistor is approximately $300,000. The specific advantages and disadvantages are indicated, as well as the outstanding problems to be tackled next.