This study employs differential evolution algorithm to solve the optimal chiller loading problem for reducing energy consumption. To testify the performance of the proposed method, the paper adopts two case studies to compare the results of the developed optimal model with those of the Lagrangian method, genetic algorithm and particle swarm algorithm. The result shows that the proposed differential evolution algorithm can find the optimal solution as the particle swarm algorithm can, but obtain better average solutions. Moreover, it outperforms the genetic algorithm in finding optimal solution and also overcomes the divergence problem caused by the Lagrangian method occurring at low demands. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.