Abstract: In the light of the reliability in the process of distribution network planning,a distribution expansion planning method based on distribution automation fault management is proposed. Firstly,the fault management function of distribution automation is introduced.Secondly,as per the profitability of distribution network company,the objective function is established based on revenue maximization to determine the planning and construction scheme of transmission lines and substations. Thus,a distribution network expansion planning model considering distribution automation is proposed. Then,genetic algorithm is used to solve the model and planning problem. And the reliability of the distribution system is evaluated. Finally,the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through case studies.