Systems and methods are provided for capturing and using power generated by the application of an external force or by an inertial force on a vehicle control device that back-drive or forward-drive an actuator coupled to the control device. An actuator is coupled to a control device configured to apply a force related to operation of a vehicle. A bus is configured to conduct power to the actuator. An actuator control system is configured to receive power from a power source via an electrical bus and direct the power to the actuator. The actuator control system is also configured to monitor an actuator power level to determine when the actuator power level does not meet an anticipated power level. When the actuator power level exceeds the anticipated power level, the excess power generated is directed to an energy storage device. When the actuator power level is less than the anticipated power level, supplemental power is distributed from the energy storage device to the bus.