Reform Implementation Development Policy Loan (RIDPL)

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The Lebanon Reform Implementation Development Policy Loan (RIDPL) is in support of the implementation of the Paris III reform program presented by the Government of Lebanon to the January 25, 2007 international donor conference and as reflected in the Interim Strategy Note for Lebanon (Report No. 39779-LB). The Paris III reform program comprises comprehensive measures to improve fiscal sustainability, enhance growth, and deepen the social reforms. The proposed RIDPL supports these objectives with a particular emphasis on the energy sector reform, which is a cornerstone of the Paris III reform program. Benefits are expected to accrue to the Government budget through reduced subsidy requirements to the electricity utility, Electricite du Liban (EdL), thereby freeing up scarce public resources for growth and poverty reduction. Beneficiaries will also include industrial and household consumers who will enjoy more reliable electricity supply and reduced reliance on more expensive back-up generation.