US Grid Rules Fight: Midwest utilities ask FERC to pause or exempt competitive bidding for new multi-state transmission, arguing it’s the fastest way to serve AI data centers—while consumer advocates warn it could raise bills. AI Power Demand & Grid Strain: A New Zealand community challenges a $3B hyperscale AI data center plan, saying it could become the country’s second-largest electricity user and lacks transparency. Energy Storage Push (UK): The UK plans to give millions of low-income households free plug-in batteries to shift usage to cheaper overnight power and cut bills. Nuclear Expansion Watch (India): Adani Power says its 10GW nuclear target depends on private-sector rules; it’s also evaluating Bina and Nigrie sites while boosting thermal capacity in the interim. Regional Energy Security (ASEAN): Cambodia urges faster ASEAN Petroleum Security and ASEAN Power Grid implementation plus more renewables investment amid West Asia disruption. Grid Reliability (Cyprus): Cyprus rotates load shedding during heat-driven demand spikes and unit faults; unions suspend industrial action until September. Renewables in Industry (South Africa): Kumba signs for 63MW on-site solar at Sishen mine, adding embedded generation to Eskom supply. Storm Impacts (US): Central North Carolina braces for heavy rain and outages as fallen trees and flooding risk hit multiple counties. Climate Litigation: A report alleges a coordinated US climate-lawsuit campaign using contingency-fee lawyers and “dark money” to reshape energy policy through courts. Battery Buildout (Poland): R.Power books EPC for 550MW/2,200MWh of new BESS projects, targeting late-2027/early-2028 operation.