With increasing complexity and unpredictability in power systems, optimization of power dispatch is now more important than ever. It is imperative to overcome the challenges brought about by the rise of renewable energy sources (RES) and electric vehicles (EVs) and to capitalize on the opportunities that they present. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the multifarious optimization tools and techniques employed to manage power dispatch. The paper then goes on to discuss the advantages and limitations of the optimization techniques and the applications that are suitable for them. Future trends and necessary next steps in the field of power dispatch have also been deliberated.