A new systematic approach to design of sequential decentralized load frequency controllers for multiarea power systems based on p synthesis and analysis is described. System uncertainties, practical constraints on control action and desired performance are included in the synthesis procedure. The robust performance in terms of the structured singular value is used as a measure of control performance. A four area power system example is presented, demonstrating the controllers' synthesis procedure and advantages of the proposed strategy. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.