The current study investigates the control effect of the pulsed arc discharge plasma (PADP) on the impinging shock wave and boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) generated by a 14{degree sign} wedge in a Mach 2.5 flow. The response characteristics of SWBLI on pulsed arc discharge (PAD) actuation were illustrated, and the controlling mechanism of shock-induced flow separation under different plasma power settings was revealed. The results showed that when setting the exciting power density ph as 1.0×1011 W/m3, the oblique shock wave obtained an obvious fluctuation, and the foot of the reattachment shock wave was partially removed. In addition, as the controlling gas bubble (CGB) passed through the interaction region, the reverse flow zone was enlarged, and the separation shock wave was shifted upward. When ph was set to 4.8 × 109 W/m3, the flow separation induced by SWBLI was effectively suppressed and the size of the reverse flow zone was significantly reduced. Moreover, as the energy input was increased, the arc-induced blast wave (BW) velocity was obviously enhanced. Additionally, it is further found that the arc plasma energy deposition (APED) density in discharge region was the determining factor for SWBLI control, even for a relatively small exciting energy input. Better drag reduction of the flow field would be achieved with PADP of higher power density, and a drag reduction rate of nearly 10.05 % was obtained at ph = 1 × 1011 W/m3 control condition.