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Watt's Up, Wisconsin?

Your Focus on Energy Podcast and an inside look at how people across our state are making smart energy choices that save money and build a more sustainable future.

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Featured Episode

25 Years of Business Energy Efficiency in Wisconsin

Long before energy efficiency became common business practice, Charlie Schneider, Dean Laube and John Nicol helped build Wisconsin’s statewide approach. In this 25th anniversary episode, the three longtime experts share how Focus on Energy earned the trust of utilities and customers—and how Energy Advisors became valued partners to Wisconsin businesses.

📅 Episode 16 🕑 38 min

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Episode 15 • 20 min

Keep the Heat On, Avoid the Winter Boiler Emergency

An aging boiler can become an expensive emergency for a multifamily property. Focus on Energy multifamily expert Doug Dettlaff explains the warning signs, why planning ahead matters and how Energy Advisors and available incentives can help Wisconsin property owners make a smarter replacement plan.

Published: 9/16/26

Episode 14 • 30 min

"Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" Ask the Energy Expert!

Home energy projects can get confusing fast. Should you replace your windows, add insulation or look at solar? What does a blower door test reveal? And does a ceiling fan actually cool the room? In this episode of Watt’s Up, Wisconsin?, we talk with Karl Hilker, one of our "Energy Experts" who will be at the State Fair!

Published: 8/6/26

Episode 13 • 20 min

Renewable Energy in Wisconsin After 25 Years of Focus on Energy

In this episode of Watt’s Up, Wisconsin?, host Ron Giordan talks with longtime clean energy advocate and former RENEW Wisconsin leader Michael Vickerman about the early days of renewable energy in Wisconsin, the launch of Focus on Energy, and how solar grew from a small, expensive idea into a practical option for homes, farms, schools, nonprofits, and businesses across the state.

Published: 7/15/26

Episode 12 • 15 min

Keep the Heat On, Avoid the Winter Boiler Emergency

What makes a home truly energy efficient? As Focus on Energy celebrates 25 years of helping Wisconsin residents save energy and money, we're talking with two builders who have been leading the way in residential new construction. Whether you're building a new home, buying your first house, or simply interested in Wisconsin's energy future, this episode offers valuable insight from two builders who have helped shape the industry.

Published: 6/15/26

Episode 11 • 15 min

New at the Focus on Energy Marketplace.

Discover simple ways to save energy, improve comfort, and lower your utility bills with the Focus on Energy Marketplace — all from the comfort of your home. In this episode of *Watt’s Up Wisconsin*, host Ron Giordan sits down with Jill Deso, Account Director for Focus on Energy, to explore the new room-focused energy-saving packs designed specifically for Wisconsin homes.

Published: 5/15/26

Episode 10 • 31 min

Smarter Lighting. More Savings. Brighter Stars.

Bright lights at night do more than waste energy—they impact wildlife, sleep, and our night skies. In this episode, Brenna Marsicek and Evan Croft from Lights Out Wisconsin explain how nighttime lighting affects migrating birds plus our views of the cosmos and how smarter, simple changes you can make AT HOME that will make a big difference.

Published: 4/15/26

Episode 9 • 23 min

How Focus on Energy Began Transforming Wisconsin 25 Years Ago

In this episode of "Watt’s Up, Wisconsin?", host Ron Giordan sits down with energy policy expert Kathy Kuntz, who was involved in the early development of Focus on Energy before the program officially launched. It’s a look at how collaboration, innovation, and persistence helped build one of the nation’s longest-running statewide energy efficiency programs.

Published: 3/15/26

Episode 8 • 26 min

Why Your Energy Efficiency Journey Should Start with Insulation/Air Sealing

This month we sit down with Jason Kempen, Residential Energy Advisor specializing in insulation and air sealing. Jason’s background spans masonry, education, home inspection, and building science — and he now helps homeowners make safer, smarter, more comfortable energy upgrades.

Published: 2/15/26

Episode 7 • 39 min

Celebrating 25 Years of Focus on Energy

In 2026, Focus on Energy marks a major milestone — 25 years of helping Wisconsin residents, businesses, schools, farms, and communities save energy and reduce costs. To kick off the year, Watt’s Up Wisconsin? host Ron Giordan sat down with Jolene Sheil, Focus on Energy Portfolio Manager at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, for a special anniversary conversation. Whether you’ve participated in Focus on Energy programs or are simply curious about how energy efficiency works in Wisconsin, this episode offers valuable perspective on where the program has been — and where it’s going.

Published: 1/16/26

Episode 6 • 18 min

Home Energy Rebates Delivering More Savings for Homeowners

The new Home Energy Rebates, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, are helping families make their homes more efficient, comfortable, and affordable. In this episode, host Ron Giordan talks with Dylan Crye, who manages the statewide HOMES and HEAR rebate programs through Focus on Energy. Dylan explains how these rebates work, how to stack them with existing Focus on Energy offers, and why this investment is a win for both homeowners and contractors across Wisconsin.

Published: 12/15/26

Episode 5 • 12 min

Your Own Energy Advisor at No Cost

Wish your business had a free expert to help you cut costs, reduce energy waste, and plan smarter upgrades? In this episode of Watt’s Up, Wisconsin? Business Portfolio Manager at Focus on Energy about one of the program’s most valuable (and often underused) resources: Energy Advisors. These local energy experts work one-on-one with Wisconsin businesses, schools, and farms—helping them boost efficiency, tap into financial incentives, and simplify energy projects from start to finish.

Published: 11/14/26

Episode 4 • 14 min

Bright Ideas at the Barbershop

In this episode, John Sonarski, owner of Kingdom of Hair Barbershop on Milwaukee's north side, partnered with Focus on Energy for his small business. By upgrading his lighting and HVAC system, John didn’t just cut down on energy waste—he improved comfort for both his customers and employees while putting more money back into his business. Focus on Energy provided the financial incentives that made these improvements affordable, showing how even small businesses can make a big difference with simple upgrades.

Published: 10/16/26

Episode 3 • 23 min

In-Home Energy Assessments

Energy Efficiency Manager Andy Kuc explains what happens during an assessment and why it's important to start your energy efficiency journey with one.

Published: 9/18/26

Episode 2 • 22 min

How Focus on Energy Helps Wisconsin Homes & Businesses

In this episode host Ron Giordan is joined by two Focus on Energy program managers—Hayley Gigous (Residential) and Michael Plunkett (Business)—to share how Wisconsin residents and businesses can take advantage of energy-saving opportunities.

Published: 8/15/26

Episode 1 • 17 min

"Watts Up Wisconsin?" Focus on Wisconsin’s Energy Efficiency Efforts

In our very first episode of "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?", host Ron Giordan kicks things off with Erin Soman, Executive Director of Focus on Energy—and someone who lives and breathes energy efficiency. Together, they unpack the basics: What exactly is Focus on Energy? Who’s behind it? And how we can help you, whether you’re a homeowner, small business, farmer, or factory operator!

Published: 7/10/26

Watt’s Up, Wisconsin? is your inside look at how people across our state are making smart energy choices that save money and build a more sustainable future. Hosted by the team at Focus on Energy, this podcast shares real stories, expert advice, and practical tips for Wisconsin homeowners, renters, farmers, and business owners alike. Whether you’re swapping out lightbulbs, upgrading factory equipment, or just curious how energy efficiency works in your world, Watt’s Up, Wisconsin? brings you the tools and inspiration to take action—and make every kilowatt count.