This paper presents a new approach to solve the optimal reactive power
planning (RPP) problem based on a genetic algorithm. The reactive power
planning problem involves optimal placement and sizing of capacitors in a
network such that the power loss cost and investment costs of new VAR
sources are minimum. The genetic algorithm is a kind of search algorithm
based on natural selection and genetics. This algorithm can search for global
solution. The RPP problem is solved in two stages. The first stage determines
the optimal placement of capacitors. The second stage determines the optimal
sizing of such capacitors. The proposed approach incorporates detailed hourly
loading conditions at each bus and achieves a fairly accurate estim k of the
benefits from capacitor placement. The proposed method is applied to the IEEE
14-bus system and the IEEE 30-bus system and its results are compared with
the results of a conventional method. Although this method is not as fast as
sophisticated traditional methods, the applied concept is quite adequate for
planning applications.