India’s growing energy demands underscore the necessity of an efficient Distribution Management System (DMS) to improve the effectiveness of electricity distribution. With an emphasis on the SS110/33/11KV- (ANNA NAGAR) bus bar system, this article investigates voltage and power factor drop issues in the 11 kV feeder bus system in North Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This research uses the simulated load flow analysis with the Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP) to identify the critical and marginal loads that are affecting system performance. There are two configurations of radial and cyclic systems which were assessed through integrating the adjustments such as installing capacitor banks to improve power factor and voltage stability in the bus bar system. The data shows that the voltage levels have been improved significantly, with the redesigned radial and cyclic system reaching a voltage surge of up to 96.93% and 99.77% respectively and a power factor increase of 88% and 99% respectively. Furthermore, focused changes simultaneously reduced the power losses from 934.9 kW to 108.1 kW. This research work emphasises the need for an advanced DMS to address the issues of present power distribution, assuring both reliability and efficiency to fulfil the energy demands of the future. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.