Energy Subsidy Reform (ESRx)

Target Audience:

This special offering of the ESRx is conducted as a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). It is open to all audiences. Participation is free. All government officials are encouraged to register. The course is particularly relevant to officials in ministries (finance, economy, and planning), or in central banks, who provide advice on macroeconomic and financial policies or are involved in policy implementation.

Requirements/Qualifications:

Access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection with Google Chrome web browser and proficiency in Excel are essential.Government officials who successfully complete the ESRx will receive a certificate of completion that will be considered favora

Course Overview:

This is presented by the IMF's Institute for Capacity Development, Fiscal Affairs Department, and Middle East and Central Asia Department. It builds on an extensive cross-country analysis, which is reported in the recently published IMF book on "Energy Subsidy Reform: Lessons and Implications," to make recommendations on how to best implement reforms aimed at reducing state subsidies on energy.The first part of the course will introduce the concept of energy subsidies - their definition and measurement - and will present the economic social and environmental implications of subsidies. The second part of the course will review what works best in energy subsidy reform and will illustrate successes and failures in particular country contexts by summarizing some case studies.The course features short video lectures interspersed with interactive exercises and includes a discussion forum to allow participants to network and discuss the course content. Weekly assignments are computer-graded and subject to strict deadlines.