Energy affordability: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey declared a “state of energy emergency,” expanding heating-oil and electricity bill relief as winter fuel costs surge. AI for energy efficiency: Kazakhstan’s Digital Qazaqstan plan targets major cuts in energy losses and accidents using AI, including forecasting gains in gas and oil operations. Grid and renewables procurement: South Africa’s Eskom kicked off a process to pre-qualify partners for up to 6 GW of renewables and batteries. EU cost relief push: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined steps to cut soaring EU energy costs, including a possible delay to methane rules and a refinery-cost dialogue. Energy security in Asia: The IEA warned Southeast Asia’s power demand is outpacing supply, raising risks for data centers and households. Directed-energy defense: The Pentagon selected four laser/microwave counter-drone systems for an operational pilot at U.S. bases. Climate litigation at the Supreme Court: Justices are set to weigh whether local governments can sue oil and gas firms in state court over climate-change damages. Hydropower and development finance: Kyrgyzstan and the EBRD reviewed Kambarata HPP work and other energy and infrastructure projects. Hydrogen and biomethanol: Lhyfe signed an MoU to supply renewable hydrogen for a Netherlands biomethanol facility aimed at decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors.