Cuckoo search is an optimization algorithm inspired by cuckoo birds that lay eggs in other birds' nests. The document proposes using cuckoo search to solve the economic load dispatch problem of determining the optimal generation outputs of power units to minimize costs while satisfying demand. It formulates the economic load dispatch problem mathematically and describes implementing cuckoo search. Experimental results on 3-unit and 6-unit test systems show cuckoo search finds better solutions than other algorithms like artificial bee colony and firefly algorithms, with advantages of being easy to implement and capable of finding near globally optimal solutions.