The possibility of evaluating and raising the intelligence level of the modern thermal power plant automated control system according to efficiency criteria is considered. The classification of the components of the overall efficiency is given in relation to the station level of thermal power plants. Groups of optimization tasks have been identified, the implementation of which together can ensure high efficiency of electrical and heat production. The methodology of evaluation and brief results of the increase in the level of intelligence in solving the optimization problems under consideration are presented. It is shown that the solution of the set optimization tasks at the block and station control levels will ensure high efficiency and reliability in the short and long-term aspects of time and significantly increase the intelligence level of automated process control systems based on modern software and hardware complexes of power units and thermal power plants as a whole.