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Abstract: Recently, a new class of stochastic optimization algorithm called SOMA (self-organizing migrating algorithm) was proposed in the literature. SOMA works on a population of potential solutions called specimen and it is based on the self-organizing behavior of groups of individuals in a “social environment”. This paper proposes a SOMA approach combined with a cultural algorithm (CSOMA) technique based on normative knowledge as an alternative method to solving the economic load dispatch problem of thermal generators with the valve-point effect. The classical SOMA and CSOMA approaches are validated for two test systems consisting of 13 and 40 thermal generators whose non-smooth fuel cost function takes into account the valve-point loading effects. Numerical results indicate that performance of the CSOMA present best results when compared with results of others optimization methods found in the literature in solving load dispatch problems with the valve-point effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]