An improved wavelet neural network algorithm which combines with particle swarm optimization was proposed to avoid encountering the curse of dimensionality and overcome the shortage in the responding speed and leing ability brought about by the traditional models. Based on the operational data provided by a regional power grid in the south of China, the method was used in the actual short term load forecasting. The results show that the average time cost of the proposed method in the experiment process is reduced by 12.2 s, and the precision of the proposed method is increased by 3.43% compared to the traditional wavelet network. Consequently, the improved wavelet neural network forecasting model is better than the traditional wavelet neural network forecasting model in both forecasting effect and network function.