This paper propose a Firefly algorithm (FA) for

optimal placement and sizing of distributed generation (DG) in

radial distribution system to minimize the total real power losses

and to improve the voltage profile. FA is a metaheuristic

algorithm which is inspired by the flashing behavior of fireflies.

The primary purpose of firefly’s flash is to act as a signal system

to attract other fireflies. Metaheuristic algorithms are widely

recognized as one of the most practical approaches for hard

optimization problems. The most attractive feature of a

metaheuristic is that its application requires no special

knowledge on the optimization problem. In this paper, IEEE 33-

bus distribution test system is used to show the effectiveness of

the FA. Comparison with Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm

(SFLA) is also given.