Energy affordability moves: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey declared a “state of energy emergency,” expanding heating-oil help and cutting key charges on residential bills to blunt winter cost spikes. Oil market watch: EIA said 3Q26 crude and refinery margins generally rose as Middle East conflict risks kept prices volatile, with Brent pushing above $100 before easing. EU cost pressure: Von der Leyen unveiled an urgent plan to cut soaring EU energy costs, targeting refinery costs, methane rules, and electrification. Gulf supply resilience: Gulf oil flows rebounded to about 81% of pre-war levels in September, with Saudi shipments driving the recovery. Power sector finance: Philippines ERC extended its no-disconnection policy for smaller consumers until December, citing cash-flow strain on utilities. Renewables & storage: Eskom launched a process to pre-qualify partners for up to 6 GW of renewables and battery projects by 2030. Hydropower deal: Adani Power and Bhutan’s DGPC signed a pact for a 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I project, with construction due to start in 2027. Digital efficiency: Kazakhstan’s Digital Qazaqstan plan aims to cut energy losses sharply using AI across oil, gas, and power operations.