The methods of energy-saving control of the strip-rolling complex (SRC) “furnaces – hot strip mill”, distinctive special feature of which is the redistribution of the energy between the individual sections SRC, are developed. Criterion of optimality of energy-saving control is represented as total specific costs (per unit of metal mass) for heating and rolling of metal. Different types of energy-saving modes initial adjustment of stands are considered; corresponding criterion functions and additional conditions are formulated.