Philippines Grid Crisis: Visayas brownouts are worsening fast, with lawmakers pushing a congressional probe into whether ancillary services and reserve power charges actually delivered during repeated red alerts; the DOE says some plant restarts are due this month to partially ease supply stress. Policy Pressure: A Visayas-focused resolution also targets NGCP’s ancillary services pricing and asks for month-by-month reserve charge details, as outages disrupt schools, hospitals, and business activity. Energy Security Debate: A San Carlos bishop calls the crisis a “systemic warning,” urging grid modernization and renewables rather than new coal/LNG that could lock in long-term fuel and pollution risks. MENA Renewables Surge: BloombergNEF says MENA added about 16 GW of solar and wind in 2025 and expects renewables additions to jump 37% in 2026, with battery storage scaling alongside. Cyber Defense for Power: South Korea’s KEPCO will run ELECCON 2026, a live-action cyber drill for the power sector in November, pairing human and AI attackers to test real response. Pakistan Market Reform: Nepra approved uniform use-of-system charges for bulk/open-access consumers, clearing the way for Pakistan’s first competitive wholesale wheeling auction. Grid Stability Rules (India): MPERC set a new reactive power compensation rate for renewable generators, effective Nov. 1, 2026, to improve voltage support and grid stability. Data Centers vs Power: Swiss Re Institute estimates AI data centers and renewables could drive about $200bn in commercial insurance premiums by 2030, highlighting how shared infrastructure risks are growing.