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This paper proposes new methods to select the optimal values of fixed and switched shunt capacitors in Radial distribution feeders for varying load conditions so as to maximize the annual savings and minimizes the energy loss by taking the capacitor cost into account. The identification of the weak buses, where the capacitors should be placed is decided by a set of rules given by the fuzzy expert system. Then the sizing of the fixed and switched capacitors is modeled using differential evolution (DE) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). A case study with an existing 15 bus rural distribution feeder is presented to illustrate the applicability of the algorithm. Simulation results show the better saving in cost over previous capacitor placement algorithm.