Grid Reliability & Emergency Response: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to help prevent blackouts in the Carolinas, letting Duke Energy Carolinas dispatch extra resources and backup generation during peak hot-weather risk. Affordability Pressure: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson wants a separate Duke Energy rate class for data centers and other huge users, arguing residents shouldn’t foot the bill for grid upgrades driven by new mega-loads. Renewables in Practice: Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Valley School District is installing solar with a $300K state grant, while Minnesota’s Marine Art Museum cut electricity costs in half with a rooftop solar array. Energy Security & Diplomacy: Pakistan and Iran’s foreign ministers stressed uninterrupted energy supplies and safe shipping amid regional tensions. Geopolitics & Energy Markets: France’s Macron ordered protections for critical infrastructure against Russian hybrid attacks and said a G7 energy meeting is coming as fuel prices spike. Clean Power Expansion: Sri Lanka connected a 10MW/40MWh battery storage system to the national grid under President Anura’s patronage, supporting renewables and peak-demand balancing. Corporate Solar Push: India’s Zodiac Energy received Gujarat solar purchase orders totaling 24,760 kWp. Policy & Payments: Alaska begins $1,200 Permanent Fund dividends plus energy relief on Oct. 1 for eligible residents. Energy Crisis Update: Cuba suffered another nationwide blackout after a total disconnection of its national electric system.