A new methodology for grouping and selecting the most effective controls for a group of critical contingencies to prevent voltage instability in electrical power systems is developed in this paper. This methodology is based on a sensitivity analysis of the maximum loadability point with respect to voltage controls and on a hierarchical clustering analysis. Considering not only the effectiveness of the control elements but also their availability, the methodology design a set of controllers to eliminate all critical contingencies. The methodology is fast and suitable for on-line assessment of preventive control. The methodology was successfully tested in a reduced south-southeast Brazilian system composed of 107 buses.