Abstract: With the diversification of electricity demand, users' requirements of power quality and power reliability are getting higher, the traditional power grid is unable to meet the new electricity demand. And distribution network automation has become an inevitable trend. The real-time monitoring, protection and control of the distribution network can make the distribution network more secure, reliable and efficient. Some domestic areas where economy is developed and power grid is advanced, pilot project of distribution network automation pilot has been carried out in 2008. In this paper, we took pilot project as an example and studied the status of distribution network automation, the reliability benefits distribution network automation brings, and summarized from the early decision-maed stage to the operation in conducting the distribution network automation project. This paper can provide guidance for carrying out distribution network automation in other areas.