AbstractThe rapid development of new energy technology can make this type of energy the primary power source in the future. However, new energy power generation is considerably affected by the environment, resulting in intermittent and fluctuating characteristics. Given the shortage of power generation in urban distribution networks during extreme weather, a study on power supply restoration strategy considering flexible resource regulation ability is proposed in this study. First, the typical adjustable flexible resources, air conditioners, and electric vehicles in urban distribution networks are modeled, and their adjustment ability is evaluated. Second, on the basis of the evaluation results, the optimal power supply recovery path is solved to ensure the power supply of essential loads in the distribution network. Last, the IEEE 33‐bus system proves that this method can quickly find the optimal path of power supply recovery and effectively reduce the power loss rate of essential loads, thus improving the toughness of urban distribution networks.