In this paper, the nonlinear optimal control problem is formulated as a multi-objective mathematical optimization problem. Harmony search (HS) algorithm is one of the new heuristic algorithms. The harmony search (HS) optimization algorithm is introduced for the first time in solving the optimal short-term hydrothermal scheduling in power systems. A case on consisting of 9 buses, 11 transmission lines, four thermal plants and three hydro plants in Indian utility system is presented to show the methodology’s feasibility and efficiency. Compared with the optimal short-term hydrothermal scheduling of power systems, the search time of the HS optimization algorithm is shorter and the result is close to the ideal solution.