In view of the limitations of load distribution for the automatic generation control(AGC)power plant in Guangdong power grid,an optimal load distribution method based on real-time coal consumption is presented.By taking into account a variety of constraints including the regulation speed,critical load points and reserve,the problem is solved with the dynamic programming algorithm and economy of load distribution for AGC power plant is realized on the premise of satisfying the safety of power grid control.The overall architecture,mathematical model,solution algorithm and allocation process for the optimal load distribution system are described in detail.The actual system is being applied in Guangdong power dispatching center.Comparison with the traditional load distribution method shows that the proposed method can effectively reduce coal consumption of the power plant and improve economic returns.