The latest: Trump claimed that foreign-supplied power equipment “constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat.” His solution? He’s essentially giving federal officials, including Energy Sec. Chris Wright, sweeping authority to bar transactions they deem risky. The order covers critical tech like transformers, generators, and programmable logic controllers…and may require the replacement of existing equipment. 

Yes, but: This directive doesn’t cover “facilities used in the local distribution of electric energy.” 

The context: This announcement arrives a month after Trump banned sales of foreign inverters, citing national security risks. Meanwhile, US critical infrastructure operators are on edge after over 12 states reported possible cyberattacks on water and wastewater utilities.

Temp check: As we reported, every FERC-regulated grid operator has asked for a three-month homework extension. But the mid-November deadline is looming—after all, pumpkin spice lattes are already hitting coffee shops. 🍂

SPP already meets one of FERC’s directives: It recently rolled out a speedy, non-firm interconnection service for large loads (known as CHILLS). But it’s also considering assigning full transmission upgrade costs—above a yet-to-be-determined limit—to large loads requesting service. SPP would require collateral in case these projects don’t materialize.

Get flexy: MISO, PJM, and CAISO are also working on flexible transmission service options, per FERC’s orders. 🤸

A data “avalanche”: More metrics don’t always equal more insights. To put all that data to good use, utilities should integrate it into existing workflows, Jason Klein, VP of electric operations and technical services at Ameren Illinois, told Energy Central. This reveals where to spend limited capital (and where to spare it).

The metrics to watch: Utilities should measure success not by the number of inspections they complete, but by successes like fewer forced outages, shorter restoration times, and reduced inspection backlogs. Our partners at Skydio are helping orgs notch these wins with autonomous drone-powered inspections.

“The future isn't about collecting more data—it's about shortening the path from the insight to the action,” Christina Park, Skydio’s senior director of energy strategy, told us.

What’s in the cards: Energy-related bets are popping up around everything from next-gen nuclear milestones to utility earnings. Questionable gambling implications aside, Matt argues that these markets offer something valuable: a real-time snapshot of public expectations and perceptions around the power sector.

The takeaway? Energy leaders could view these bets as market-intelligence and messaging signals.

BYONCE: Data centers and other large energy users must supply their own power while aligning with state renewable standards (which order DE utilities to source 40% clean energy by 2035). 

The package: Meyers signed a handful of laws to protect ratepayers, including legislation that 1) requires large loads to pay for infrastructure upgrades 2) bans data centers from obtaining certain tax credits and 3) restricts costs that monopoly utilities can recover from residential customers.

The backdrop: Proposed data centers are set to double Delaware’s energy usage and raise electricity prices by up to 80% by 2029. 

Keys Energy is hiring a journey lineman.

The Town of Havana is hiring a town clerk.

Redwood Coast Energy Authority is hiring its inaugural general counsel.