Energy Savings & Retail Power Management: Venezuela’s National Executive and the Chamber of Shopping Centers (CAVECECO) agreed to extend the sector’s energy savings plan for eight weeks, with Caracas added to rationing schedules for the first time (12:00-16:00 and 18:00-22:00) to stabilize the SEN through October, backed by self-generation efforts in malls. Earthquake Housing Delivery: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez delivered 48 new earthquake-resistant apartments in Caracas’ Tiuna City Housing Complex for 177 people, while the Venezuela Renace Plan targets thousands more home completions by December. Construction Workforce Inclusion: Rodríguez also announced a training and labor inclusion program for construction trades starting Aug. 24 via the Patria System, feeding reconstruction needs after the June 24 earthquakes. Mining & Legal/Finance Watch: Gold Reserve says it overcame a motion to dismiss in its Chancery Court dispute with Rusoro, allowing a core breach-of-contract claim to proceed, while its attorney José Ignacio Moreno Suárez was released from prison. Oil & Gas Deals: BP and XRG signed offshore exploration deals for Venezuela’s Loran Phase 2 (equal interests; BP to operate) and a Carupano East Block MoU, as cross-border gas development accelerates. Energy Politics: PSUV leader Diosdado Cabello says cryptocurrency mining is “totally banned” and reports a house-to-house electricity campaign reaching 335,000 homes.