Abstract: Based upon the existing research findings of distribution network planning, and based on the optimization division of power areas (or grid cells), a heuristic method of distribution network planning, i.e., the grid cell based distribution network planning method, is proposed to adapt to the gradual increase in the penetration rate of distributed resources, wherein the power balancing method involves differential approaches of different space-time-resources and two typical operating modes. The optimization division of grid cells is carried out by the principles of nearby use for distributed power resources and "nearby backup supply", resulting in the regional grid cell, substation grid cell, medium-voltage and low-voltage grid cell in terms of space, and also the energy output type, energy input type and balance type in terms of resources. The real planning example shows that the proposed method has relatively strong operability.