This paper concentrates on the validation of metaheuristic algorithms like backtracking search optimization algorithm (BSA) and fruit fly optimization algorithm (FFA) for tuning a optimal PID controller for automatic generation control. For this purpose, a two area reheat interconnected thermal system with nonlinearities like generator rate constant (GRC), deadband and time delay are considered. The proposed work is implemented using MATLAB Simulink for various load conditions with objective functions for metaheuristic algorithms capturing signals from various positions of proposed model. The results obtained using two algorithms are compared and explored. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.