The article deals with the actual problems of increasing the intelligence of TPP control systems built on the basis of modern software and hardware complexes (PTC). It is shown that from the standpoint of the modern approach, complex technical control systems satisfy the definition of intelligent control systems as systems that act rationally and optimally. It is from these positions that the report considers the problems of increasing the intelligence of the TPP control system on the basis of creating a unified system of optimal control of technological and production processes in all modes of operation of power units and the station as a whole. As assessment of the degree of intellectuality is considered the conventional "factor of intel ligence", which is the fraction of intelligent technologies in the total functions of ACS on a given task or level of control. The method of determining the intelligence coefficient at hierarchical levels of control and control system as a whole is proposed, an example of calculating this coefficient in relation to the station level of control of a thermal power station, which control system is based on a modern software and hardware complex, is given.