Grid Resilience & Reliability: Maryland regulators finally approved a delayed transmission upgrade needed to retire the state’s last coal plant, pushing the Brandon Shores shutdown timeline out to 2031 while PJM and utilities work to keep supply steady. Data Centers vs. Power Bills: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear issued an order requiring data-center operators to submit energy plans and directing regulators to block utility rate hikes tied to data centers, as lawmakers push for stronger protections for ratepayers. Permitting & Power-Line Backlash: Wisconsin’s PSC ordered American Transmission Company to rewrite a Port Washington data-center power line proposal after major changes left the public unable to participate meaningfully. Storage Momentum: California surpassed 21 GW of grid-connected energy storage, up from under 700 MW in 2019, highlighting batteries as a key tool for peak demand and renewables integration. Battery Buildout in the US: US utility-scale battery capacity grew at a 70% average annual rate over the last three years, reaching nearly 52 GW by mid-2026, with more projects planned through 2028. AI Power Demand Pressure: A new report warns that despite massive AI infrastructure spending, many data-center projects face land, labor, and site delays that threaten on-time delivery. Energy Security Politics: Colombia’s new president pledged to revive oil and gas while still pursuing a transition to renewables, framing energy security as national sovereignty. Storm Impacts: Severe weather left thousands without power in Central Virginia, underscoring how quickly reliability can be tested.