In a method and system for operating a system having an energy storage device and a resistor, and in order to discharge the energy storage device, an electric power that is constant over time is continuously supplied to the resistor, e.g., during a time period, e.g., until the resistor has practically been fully discharged, the time period, e.g., being greater than the time constant of the temperature rise of the resistor induced by a continuous electric power that is constant over time and supplied to the resistor.