This paper presents an accurate framework for incorporating the doubly fed induction generator based wind farms in load flow analysis of distribution systems. The proposed model for doubly fed induction generator is based on an accurate equivalent circuit and also takes into consideration the voltage dependent reactive power limits associated with the doubly fed induction generator. In addition, the developed approach is capable of handling a doubly fed induction generator operating in either maximum power point tracking or non-maximum power point tracking modes. The proposed PQ model of doubly fed induction generator easily fits into the forward–backward technique that is typically employed for obtaining the load flow solution of distribution networks. Test results on 19-bus and 133-bus systems are reported to indicate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. © 2021 The Authors. IET Renewable Power Generation published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Institution of Engineering and Technology