In this paper, a simplified load flow method is developed for solving radial distribution networks that involves only the evaluation of a simple algebraic expression of voltage magnitudes. A general formulation of the network reconfiguration for loss minimization is given for optimization of distribution loss reduction and a solution approach is presented. The solution algorithm for loss minimization has been developed based on a two-stage solution methodology. The first stage of this solution algorithm finds a loop, which gives the maximum loss reduction in the network. For this purpose a simple-to-use formula, called loop loss reduction formula has been developed. To find a branch exchange, which results in the maximum loss reduction in the loop, the second stage applies a proposed technique called distance-center technique. Therefore, the solution algorithm of the proposed method can identify the most effective branch exchange operations for loss reduction, with minimum computational efforts. The software for proposed solution algorithm is capable of performing optimum reconfiguration for a radial distribution network for any number of buses and laterals. The proposed feeder reconfiguration is tested with 33-bus IEEE test system and the results are compared with Baran and Wu's method. © 2004 IEEE.