Energy Partnerships: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed a memorandum with France’s TotalEnergies and PDVSA in Caracas, aiming to restart and expand hydrocarbon cooperation under Venezuela’s updated Organic Hydrocarbons Law. Oil Diplomacy: The same TotalEnergies push is framed as part of a broader wave of multinational deals after Maduro’s removal, with no deal details released yet. Electricity Demand: Venezuela recorded its highest electricity consumption peak in nine years at 16:30 MW as intense heat boosts demand, with officials urging household savings to keep the grid stable. Mining & Exports: CVG VENALUM announced the export of over 15,000 tons of primary aluminum to the United States, marking a return after nearly a decade. Forestry Industry Push: In Barinas, the government held the Los Llanos Regional Meeting to promote the “forestry engine,” bringing together 109 companies across forestry, research, added value and ecotourism. Regional Energy Talks: Trinidad and Tobago’s energy minister met bpTT and NGC to discuss the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project with Venezuela. Central Bank Gold: Reuters reports a proposed ~$4B gold transfer from London to New York is stalled by a UK court question over which Venezuelan authority can instruct the Bank of England. Bilateral Relations: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña visited Caracas to restore contacts and normalize ties, including trade and energy issues.