Abstract: An automated control method for meeting rapidly fluctuating power demands with stable power production is disclosed. The method includes determining a market value of a unit of electricity sold on the grid, a fuel cost required to produce the unit of electricity, and a market value of a processing task requiring the unit of electricity. The method also includes calculating which of the electricity, processing, or fuel is most valuable; shutting off a running process when the value of the electricity is highest or the value of the fuel is highest; and starting a pending process when the net market value of the processing task is highest. The method may also include reducing electricity generation at a power plant when the value of electricity is negative, or exercising a futures contract to supply electricity.