# Reinforcement Learning Based Symbolic Regression for Load Modeling

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.06879 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.06879/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in RL for energy, networks and operations, one of 15 directions in Deep reinforcement learning methods.
- Builds on 5 of its 23 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 10 Mar 2025.

## Placed in

- Deep reinforcement learning methods / [RL for energy, networks and operations](https://mlsanity.com/deeprl/rl-for-energy-networks-and-operations/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 5 of 5)

- [Deep symbolic regression: Recovering mathematical expressions from data via risk-seeking policy gradients](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1912.04871/) (2019)
- [End-to-end symbolic regression with transformers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2204.10532/) (2022)
- [Neural Symbolic Regression that Scales](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2106.06427/) (2021)
- [SymbolicGPT: A Generative Transformer Model for Symbolic Regression](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2106.14131/) (2021)
- [SymFormer: End-to-end symbolic regression using transformer-based architecture](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2205.15764/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources, growing demand variability, and evolving grid control strategies, accurate and efficient load modeling has become a critical yet challenging task. Traditional methods, such as fixed-form parametric models and data-driven approaches, often struggle to balance accuracy, computational efficiency, and interpretability. This paper introduces a novel symbolic regression algorithm based on the Actor-Critic reinforcement learning framework, specifically tailored for dynamic load modeling. The algorithm employs a trainable expression tree with controlled depth and a predefined set of operators to generate compact and interpretable mathematical expressions. The Actor network probabilistically selects operators for the symbolic expression, while the Critic evaluates the resulting expression tree through a loss function. To further enhance performance, a candidate pool mechanism is implemented to store high-performing expressions, which are subsequently fine-tuned using gradient descent. By focusing on simplicity and precision, the proposed method significantly reduces computational complexity while preserving interpretability. Experimental results validate its superior performance compared to existing benchmarks, which offers a robust and scalable solution for dynamic load modeling and system analysis in modern power systems.
