UK Energy Bills: Andy Burnham’s plan to scrap 5% VAT on household electricity bills from Oct 1 to April is being welcomed, but fuel-poverty groups say it’s too small and could be wiped out if wholesale prices rise; Cornwall Insight still expects the Oct–Dec price cap to fall only modestly to £1,699.59. North Sea Politics: A new UK energy secretary choice dims hopes for an oil-and-gas reset as climate activists push back on North Sea drilling. Middle East Risk: Iran warns it will strike regional infrastructure, including energy sites, if the U.S. targets Iranian bridges or power plants over Hormuz; at the same time, Houthis threaten Bab el-Mandeb, raising fears of a dual chokepoint squeeze on oil flows to Asia. Nuclear Deal: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia reached a civilian nuclear commercial agreement for U.S. firms to run nuclear power on Saudi soil, with safeguards discussed and Congress likely to be consulted. Clean Power Buildout: ScottishPower plans a £1.5B repower of Whitelee, aiming to double capacity and boost community funds. AI + Energy: Microsoft is investing $60M in the DOE’s Genesis Mission to advance AI-enabled energy science, while U.S. Sen. Mark Warner pushes data-center rules that would force public reporting of energy and water use. Grid & Storage: Schneider Electric upgrades its Charge Pro commercial EV charger for easier rollout and management, and Cambodia secured a World Bank concessional loan and grant for BESS and grid projects.