On July 5-6, VIII International Scientific and Technical Conference "Development and Reliability Improvement of Distribution Networks" was held. The conference was organized by ROSSETI and the "ELECTRIC POWER. Transmission and distribution" (hereinafter EEPIR) journal with the support of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation. During the two days of the event, participants (more than 1,200 technical managers and experts of the electric power industry) discussed more than 90 reports presented by specialists of relevant departments, distribution grid companies, large energy consumers, as well as scientists and industry experts within six thematic sessions. The EEPIR technical exhibition accompanying the conference has become an integral part of the discussion and a meeting place for representatives of electric grid companies, resource extraction enterprises with innovative technical solutions producers. The dynamically developing electric power industry today has many issues caused by both consumers and regulators tasks. Changes in the external environment with an impact on the economy of the main processes also raise new discussion. The central topics of the business program were principles of forming programs for the long-term development of distribution electric networks, rational planning and use of investment resources, rethinking approaches for ensuring reliable power supply to consumers, also in separated territories with the assistance of autonomous power sources. Moreover, the conference participants discussed the use of modern digital solutions and ensuring cybersecurity of power engineering facilities. Distribution grid complex development should lead to qualitative changes positively affecting its operation. The speakers demonstrated their experience and new technical solutions for optimizing distribution electric networks development, implementing projects to create digital models with integration into all company main business processes. The participants discussed in detail the benefits of introducing energy storage systems in distribution networks, construction of highly automated 6–35 kV modular substations, use of power transformers with amorphous steel cores and energy-efficient cooling systems, equipment and technologies that provide load balancing, and other technical solutions. The discussion of the planning principles for repair activities of electric grid companies also took place. The conference participants noted the need to continue work on the introduction of a risk-based management system of production assets. Territory and scope expanding of unmanned aerial vehicles and robotic systems was proposed for development in this direction, as well as devices for monitoring and diagnosing the technical condition of electrical network equipment, including temperature indicators, modules for remote diagnostics of overhead lines parameters to control and prevent the formation of ice-frost deposits. Positive trends were noted in terms of digital relay protection systems development in the distribution grid complex. At the same time, the participants drew attention to the expediency of developing national standards in the field of electromagnetic effects and electromagnetic security, information security, taking into account world experience. This year, much attention at the conference was paid to the issues of employees’ labor protection in the distribution power grid complex. This aspect is an integral part of ensuring the reliable, high-quality and safe functioning of the infrastructure. Along with the use of modern equipment and safe technologies, optimal working conditions is important to create, as well as conducting timely training of personnel and improving the production safety culture. Traditionally, following the results of the conference "Development and Reliability Improvement of Distribution Networks", industry experts formulated suggestions for amendments to the documents regulating the operation of the electric grid complex. This year the participants focused on improving the efficiency of distribution networks functioning. As a part of this work, according to power engineers’ opinion, modern equipment and advanced solutions based on domestic developments or products with a high degree of localization during the facilities construction and modernization are necessary to implement. Exhibition part of the conference included signing of agreements between power grid companies and Russian power equipment manufacturers and universities. In particular, ROSSETI signed nine agreements on the unification in procedure and scope of work for relay protection and automation devices and process control systems maintenance, as well as on cooperation development. United Energy Company has agreed to cooperate with the largest professional colleges in Moscow, MGSU and Carabelli Srl, on cooperation in the normative and technical documentation development for work at height. In the final part of the conference, the thematic sessions moderators summarized the results of work in each area, placed emphasis on the most interesting ideas in the reports, and drew the audience attention to the tasks and issues that require further elaboration. Presentations of reports will be available to conference participants on the official website of the event until July 14, 2023. Video recordings of reports will be available until August 14, 2023. Suggestions to the final results of the conference are accepted by the editorial board of the "ELECTRIC POWER. Transmission and distribution" journal until July 21, 2023. The final document, summarizing the results of all sessions, will be posted on the conference website within a month. The next – IX International Scientific and Technical Conference "Development and Reliability Improvement of Distribution Networks" – will be held in summer of 2024. Applications for participation and suggestions for the event topics are being accepted at the moment. Photo materials by category: Registration of participantsPlenary sessionOfficial tour of the EEPIR Technical ExhibitionSession 1. Planning of the distribution network development (July 5, 2023)Session 2. Possibilities of applying innovative solutions in distribution networks (July 5, 2023)Session 3. Application of new diagnostic methods and tools for repair activities planning (July 5, 2023)Session 4. Power supply reliability during scheduled and emergency operations (July 5, 2023)Demonstration of the RPA life cycle using software packagesSession 6. Occupational safety (July 5, 2023)Poster-sessionEEPIR Technical ExhibitionEEPIR Technical Exhibition on the square in front of the WTC Congress CenterSession 1. Planning of the distribution network development (July 6, 2023)Session 2. Possibilities of applying innovative solutions in distribution networks (July 6, 2023)Session 3. Application of new diagnostic methods and tools for repair activities planning (July 6, 2023)Session 4. Power supply reliability during scheduled and emergency operations (July 6, 2023)Session 5. Relay protection and automation of distribution networks (July 6, 2023)Session 6. Occupation safety (July 6, 2023)Equipment at the EEPIR Technical ExhibitionAgreement signingSumming upJSK “UNECO” management at the EEPIR Technical ExhibitionPhotos of participantsEvolution of electrical power distribution technologiesThink Smart technology show The conference is organized with the support of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation by the Rosseti Group of Companies and the "ELECTRIC POWER. Transmission and distribution" journal. Assistance in holding the conference is provided by: JSK "UNECO", EPC CIS, MPEI, ESI SB RAS, ERA of Russia Association. General partner: Group of companies "Tavrida Electric". Official partners: Encore Engineering, Forenergo, Holding Company "Energorazvitie", LLC "NPC "Avtopribor", LLC "ENELT Group", JSC "System Electric". Partners: Eastenergyservice, Group of companies "Armatech", PLC Technology, Thermoelectrika, LLC "Energotek", MNPP "ANTRAKS", LLC "Prosoft-Systems", LLC "TEMZ", LLC "Energoplast", JSC "GC "ELECTROSHIELD" - TM Samara".