The objective of this study is to identify and eliminate unnecessary iteration loops in the load flow analysis of an active distribution network so as to improve its overall computational efficiency. The number of iteration loops is minimised through the integrated modelling of a distributed generator (DG) and the associated coupling transformer. The DG bus is not preserved in the load flow calculation and the aforementioned DG-transformer assembly is represented in the form of a voltage-dependent negative load at the point of connection to the main distribution network. Thus, the iteration stage that is involved in indirectly preserving the DG in the form of a voltage source or negative constant power load can be eliminated. This, in turn, eliminates the need for multiple rounds of forward-backward sweeps (FBS) iterations to determine the bus voltages. The power characteristics of the DG-transformer assembly are thoroughly investigated through a carefully performed case study so as to assess the general convergence performance of the proposed load flow algorithm Furthermore, extensive comparative studies are carried out to verify the computational efficiency attained via the proposed DG modelling in the load flow analysis of an active distribution network. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2018.