The research status on distribution network loss reduction at home and abroad is reviewed comprehensively. Firstly the forming reason of network power loss is introduced, including equipment loss and system operation loss. Then the present research situation and problems of various loss reduction techniques based on equipment configuration and system operation are summarized respectively. Considering the better effect of the combination of different loss reduction techniques on loss reduction, the combination loss reduction techniques of reactive power optimization, distribution network reconfiguration and distributed generation optimization at present are discussed. Finally, the existing problems of the current distribution network loss reduction and the probable development trend in the future are pointed out.