AbstractWith the rapid development of integrated energy system (IES), it has become a trend to form multiple integrated energy systems (MIESs) in a certain region. However, there is a lack of coordination and cooperation among MIESs. This paper proposes an optimal operation model of MIESs with four cost objectives, which focuses on energy interaction among MIESs. As a non‐linear and large optimization problem, it is difficult for conventional mathematical methods to solve. Hence, this paper proposes a hybrid Taguchi‐compact salp swarm algorithm (TCSSA). The compact technique can save the operation memory of model. Taguchi method can improve the convergence speed and solution accuracy of model. The proposed algorithm is tested on 28 benchmark functions and applied to optimal operation of MIESs. Results demonstrate that: (1) compared with other famous algorithms, TCSSA can provide more efficient execution and better solutions. (2) The optimal operation of MIESs based on TCSSA can achieve the complementary of energy advantages, which effectively reduces the total cost of MIESs (up to 9.67%).