The reliability evaluation of the distribution network plays an important role in the assessment of power distribution system. To improve the precision of evaluation, a method with the consideration of prearranged power cut for distribution network reliability evaluation is proposed. Compared to traditional methods, the method considers not only malfunction power cut but also the prearranged power cut which makes up a much larger proportion in all power cut events. All kinds of power set-ups are assumed to get the malfunction and prearranged power cut according to corresponding probability in this paper. The prearranged power cut events can be divided into the overhaul type and the dilatation type based on the cause of the event, and relevant power cut models are built according to the proposed classification. The assessment result shows that the proposed method can evaluate the reliability of the distribution network more accurately due to the consideration of prearranged power cut. © 2017, High Voltage Engineering Editorial Department of CEPRI. All right reserved.