Abstract In this article, a novel analytical approach (named as zero bus load flow (ZBLF)) is proposed for DG placement to the distribution network under the scenario of known power injection from the utility/substation. The study is carried out for deferent load levels and for two different distribution networks (viz. 33- and 69-bus distribution networks). In this work, biomass (working at the power factor same as that of the load power factor) is considered as the DG source. From this study, it may be noticed that, by placing the DG at the selected bus, the active power loss of the network may be reduced even when the power supply from the utility grid is zero. In this paper, a combined approach of ZBLF and symbiotic organism search (SOS) has been proposed for the placement of multiple numbers of DGs for the scenario when the power supply from the utility/substation is known. Both the technical as well as the economic aspects of the DG placement for both the distribution networks are studied and presented in this research paper. DG placement using the proposed method also founds to be economical to the utility.