A system to control a power distribution system includes a system controller configured to determine an allocation of power during a first time period for each of a plurality of subsystems. The system also includes a subsystem controller communicatively coupled to the system controller. The subsystem controller is associated with a device and configured to receive power allocation data indicating the allocation of power for the device from the system controller. The subsystem controller is further configured to receive operation request data indicating a request to operate the device and produce a model operation of the device for a second time period based on the power allocation data, the operation request data, and a cost-utility function associated with the device. The subsystem controller is also configured to communicate, to the system controller, projected power demand data associated with the modeled operation of the device during the second time period.