Book excerpt: This Fifth Edition includes new sections on electric vehicle loads and the impact they have on voltage drop and transformers in distribution systems. A new and improved tape-shield cable model has been developed to produce more accurate impedance modeling of underground cables. In addition, the book uses state-of-the-art software, including the power distribution simulation software Milsoft WindMil® and programming language Mathworks MATLAB®. MATLAB scripts have been developed for all examples in the text, in addition to new MATLAB-based problems at the end of the chapters. This book illustrates methods that ensure the most accurate results in computational modeling for electric power distribution systems. It clearly explains the principles and mathematics behind system models and discusses the smart grid concept and its special benefits. Including numerous models of components and several practical examples, the chapters demonstrate how engineers can apply and customize computer programs to help them plan and operate systems. The book also covers approximation methods to help users interpret computer program results and includes references and assignments that help users apply MATLAB and WindMil programs to put their new learning into practice.