In an aircraft galley, a power network distributes power from a source to electrical consuming devices (oven, water boiler, coffee machine, trash compactor, etc.). A control unit is connected to and can individually address each of the devices via a databus. The control unit compares the actual existing power consumption to a prescribed maximum value. If the actual consumption reaches the maximum value, the control unit calls up a power reduction procedure from a catalog in a database, and provides corresponding control signals to one or more of the devices to reduce the power consumption below the maximum value. The individual devices receive power in a time-sharing, power-sharing, or time-staggered manner. An intelligent distribution of available power resources avoids power overloads, and allows optimal utilization of all galley devices without limiting the normal catering process.