Grid & consumer pressure: Xcel’s proposed Colorado residential rate hike (about +5.86% after a settlement) is drawing pushback from consumer and environmental groups, with regulators weighing how much of utility spending should be borne by customers. Renewables buildout: Juniper Green Energy commissioned 305 MWp in Gujarat (183 MWp solar, 122 MW wind) under PPAs with GUVNL, while India’s floating solar push gained momentum as the NISE-backed report put potential at 102 GWp+ and set up a dedicated scheme. Storage & reliability: YESS Power commissioned the Balkans’ first large-scale solar battery storage system in North Macedonia, aiming to better integrate renewables into the grid. Corporate clean power deals: Simplex Castings signed a 25-year captive solar PPA in Chhattisgarh (5.5 MWp) to cut annual power costs by ~INR 2.16 crore, and UltraTech Cement/India Cements agreed to procure 29.7 MW captive wind in Tamil Nadu. Energy security under stress: With LNG disruptions tied to the Iran war, Asia may shift more generation from gas to coal, raising incremental coal demand in 2026. Policy & permitting: Nepal’s hydropower licensing review committee recommended broad reforms, including possible cancellation steps for stalled projects. Bioenergy debate: A new analysis of climate plans says nearly half of countries mention biomass/bioenergy (and some BECCS), while warning that burning wood can harm nature and health.