This paper presents improved PSO (IPSO) to solve Multi Area Economic Dispatch (MAED) problem. The objective of MAED problem is to determine the optimal value of power generation and interchange of power through tie-lines interconnecting areas in such a way that total fuel cost of thermal generating units of all areas is minimized while satisfying operational constraints. The control equation of the proposed PSO is modified by suggesting improved cognitive component of the particle's velocity by

more »

... suggesting preceding experience. The operating parameters of the control equation are also modified to maintain a better balance between cognitive and social behavior of the swarm. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been tested on four areas, 40 generators test system. The application results show that IPSO is very promising to solve large-dimensional MAED problem.