This paper proposes a model predictive control (MPC) approach to the periodic implementation of the optimal solutions of a class of resource allocation problems in which the allocation requirements and conditions repeat periodically over time. This special class of resource allocation problems includes many practical energy optimization problems such as load scheduling and generation dispatch. The convergence and robustness of the MPC algorithm is proved by invoking results from convex optimization. To illustrate the practical applications of the MPC algorithm, the energy optimization of a water pumping system is studied. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.