JEE_V5_N1_RP2 G.V. Siva Krishna Rao K. Vaisakh P. Kanta Rao Journal on Electrical Engineering 2230 – 7176 5 1 5 20 Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, Reactive Power Dispatch, Voltage Stability, FACTS Devices, Statistical Analysis This paper presents the comparative application of two metaheuristic approaches: Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to the solution of the reactive power and voltage control problem. Efficient distribution of reactive power in an electric network leads to minimization of the system losses and improvement of the system voltage profile. It can be achieved by varying the excitation of generators, on-load tap changer positions of transformers as well as by switching of discrete portions of inductors or capacitors etc. The feasibility, effectiveness and generic nature of both GA and PSO approaches investigated are exemplarily demonstrated on the IEEE 14-bus, IEEE 30-bus, and IEEE 57-bus test systems with and without Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices. Comparisons were made between the two approaches in terms of the solution quality and convergence characteristics. An innovative statistical analysis based on central tendency measures and dispersion measures was carried out on the bus voltage profiles and voltage stability indices. July - September 2011 Copyright © 2011 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=1551