[en] The basic expectation from an electricity distributor is the provision of a continuous supply, in keeping with the pre-defined voltage and frequency. The continuity of the supply is defined by the availability status at the time of supply and the unavailability caused by any interruption to that supply, including forced outages. Forced outage is define as an event that disrupts the continuity of the supply and together with its parameters constitutes the primary information used in determining the reliability of continuous electric power supply. The significance of the forced outage and the application of knowledge resulting from the analysis of forced outage incidents, i.e. the application of supply reliability, are not the same when assessing present and future deregulated electricity market conditions. The reliability degree in a power distribution system is inadequate today, owning to the following: - Operational data are not available from all producers, - Poorly defined or undefined conditions and obligations for distributors and their customers, - The possibility of unprofitable investment and power generation (production). In a deregulated market, the supply reliability will have greater significance and the application of reliability methods will be linked to the following factors: - Obligations imposed by customers on distributors will be more stringent and transparent, - Distributors will strive to optimise their distribution system in order to increase profitability and lower costs. This paper outlines the problems and possibilities of applying reliability analysis in a distribution network, which is a part of the existing electric power system. The paper highlights activities that should be undertaken in the electric power system in order to facilitate the future reliability analysis application as a criterion for economical operation. (author)