Distribution networks represent a huge capital investment. To make sensible decisions about their investments, electricity utilities need to form clear-cut design policies and adopt the most accurate systemdesign procedures. Customers' expectations of the reliability of supply continue to rise, market pressures on the design engineer are growing stronger, and the increasing use of computers has changed the entire approach to distribution system design. Technical innovations have presented the design engineer with the means to improve system efficiency. Electricity Distribution Network Design was the first book to be entirely devoted to the planning and design of modern distribution systems, as apposed to the more general aspects of transmission and generation. This second edition has updated its treatment of computer-based planning and reliability. It also covers the implications of international standards, network information systems and distribution automation. With comprehensive and up-to-date bibliographies at the end of each chapter, the book will be useful both for students and for practising engineers involved in distribution network design.

Erkki Lakervi received his MSc from Helsinki University of Technology in 1969. He worked in systems planning and operations in both rural and municipal Finnish electricity supply utilities, before being appointed associate professor at Tampere University of Technology in 1977. In 1986 he was appointed full professor, specialising in power systems and high-voltage engineering, becoming head of the power engineering group in 1987. Lakervi is a member of the IET, a senior member of the IEEE and a member of CIGRE. He has had two books published in Finland on electricity distribution, as well as many papers in Europe and the USA, particularly associated with computer-aided design. His particular interests are in distribution system design and the behaviour of MV insulators in adverse weather conditions. He is also involved in the design of electricity distribution systems in developing countries.