A method for block loading an electrical grid with a combined cycle power plant (CCPP) includes operating a gas turbine system of the CCPP in an islanding mode with a steam turbine system of the CCPP off line with turning gear rotating only; loading the steam turbine system accordingly to temperature matching conditions of the steam turbine system, the loading of the steam turbine system includes controlling gas turbine exhaust fed to the steam turbine system and the gas turbine exhaust temperature heats the steam turbine system and to meet temperature matching conditions of the steam turbine system; wherein controlling gas turbine exhaust includes controlling fuel flow and air flow to the gas turbine system; and operating at least one of the gas turbine system and steam turbine system to block load the electrical grid from a load on at least one of gas turbine system and steam turbine system.