The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is currently automating the operation of its hydro system. A proposed automation control system (ACS) will control each plant's operation at the plant and monitor its performance from a centralized control center. As part of the automation project, the ACS will combine with an existing WaterView system that performs monitoring, environmental monitoring, and optimization functions at each plant. Under the integrated automation system, the ACS receives a request for plant output in terms of either power or discharge. The ACS transmits this request to WaterView, which computes the optimal unit generations that meet this plant requirement. WaterView then returns these unit setpoints to the ACS for use in setting unit operating parameters.