The total supply capability (TSC) is a new index of assessing the construction level of distribution networks while the feeder link is a key factor for improving the TSC. The influence of the feeder link on the TSC is investigated. First

the weighted balance degree of feeder links

feeder link efficiency and other relevant indices for quantitatively describing the link position and efficiency are defined. Secondly

in view of the influence of link position on TSC

the relationship between TSC and the balance degree in the same scale of feeder links is given. Thirdly

considering the influence of feeder link scale on TSC

the relationship between TSC

link efficiency and feeder link scale is presented. Finally

the laws of change and characteristics of TSC in different construction orders of feeder links are analyzed. The influence mechanism of feeder links on TSC for distribution networks is revealed

providing a new basis for optimization of distribution networks. This work is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51277129)

National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) (No. 2011AA05A117)

and Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (No. NCET-10-0624).