This paper presents the feasibility of applying a wavelet neural network (WNN) approach for the load frequency controller (LFC) to damp the frequency oscillations of two area power systems due to load disturbances. The present intelligent control system trained the wavelet neural network (WNN) controller on line with adaptive learning rates, which are derived in the sense of a discrete type Lyapunov stability theorem. The present WNN controller is designed individually for each area. The proposed technique is applied successfully for a wide range of operating conditions. The time simulation results indicate its superiority and effectiveness over the conventional approach. The effects of consideration of the governor dead zone on the system performance are studied using the proposed controller and the conventional one. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.