SUMMARYThe service restoration problem in distribution power systems has already been addressed with regard to this issue, for purposes such as the minimization of unrecovered load and power supply loss, considerations of priority sections, and preparation of switching procedures. However, since this involves the application of a number of methods, the related algorithms are complex. In this paper, in order to resolve this issue we first apply GA as an optimization method for investigation purposes, to simplify the algorithms used. Next, to confirm this proposed method's effects in reducing computing time, we consider the efficacy of the proposed method by using smaller numbers of generations and individual sizes than have been used in the past. The effectiveness of the proposed method is shown by the system when failure occurs. It is clear that the proposed method, consisting of GA only, is superior in terms of average fitness values and the ability to reduce computation times.