The problems arising in solving the optimization problems of the station and block levels of TPP control within the framework of an intelligent automated process control system built on the basis of modern PTC are considered. It is shown that at the same time, within the framework of group control of equipment operating modes, the information support of the automated process control system requires modernization of technical and software controls, alternative approaches to solving this problem are given. The main attention is paid to the development of methodological provisions and an algorithm based on them to assess the inertia of the load control process with proactive control on the example of the problem of optimal distribution of the electric load of a thermal power plant with a given composition of generating equipment. An expert assessment of inertia in solving the problem of optimal load distribution is given.