A power distribution system for a rail vehicle includes a propulsion alternator, a first bus, a Head End Power (HEP) alternator, and a second bus. The propulsion alternator is joined to an engine of the rail vehicle. The first bus is joined with the propulsion alternator and is configured to electrically couple the propulsion alternator with a propulsion electric load that propels the rail vehicle. The HEP alternator is joined to the engine. The second bus is joined with the HEP alternator and is adapted to electrically couple the HEP alternator with a non-propulsion electric load of the rail vehicle. The propulsion alternator generates a first electric current to power the propulsion electric load and the HEP alternator separately generates second electric current to power the non-propulsion electric load. The HEP alternator and the second bus are electrically separate from the propulsion alternator and the first bus.