This paper is focused on electric power distribution substations load modeling using dynamic load parameters estimation. The load parameters are estimated using two models: the exponential and the ZIP load models. Since the load bus voltage and parameters are known one can determine the active and reactive power injections of this bus and include these pseudo-measurements in the state estimation in order to improve observability and estimation accuracy. The dynamic parameter estimation is developed using the weighted least squares method in a recursive form and the tests are carried out based on actual measurements. It is shown that the estimated parameters (for both load models) at a distribution substation are valid, since the obtained active and reactive power residuals are very close to zero. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.2610805811