An electrical system for a vehicle includes a high-voltage DC power source electrically connected to a high-voltage bus, a first controller disposed to control electric power flow between the high-voltage bus and a first actuator, and a second controller disposed to control electric power flow between the high-voltage bus and a second actuator. A communication link is disposed to effect communication between the first controller and the second controller. An inertial sensor communicates with the second controller. The second controller includes an instruction set to monitor and determine a request to discharge the high-voltage bus based upon communication from the sensor. Upon determining that the first controller is incapable of discharging the high-voltage bus, the second actuator is controlled to discharge the high-voltage bus.