Watt's Up, Wisconsin?

Featured Podcast

Episode 14 - Ask the Energy Expert
Published: August 6th, 2026

Energy Efficiency Expert Karl Hilker, a long time Focus on Energy "Energy Advisor" joins host Ron Giordan to answer some of the most common home energy questions Wisconsin residents ask.

Learn what a professional energy assessment and blower door test can reveal, why air sealing is a key part of an insulation project and how fiberglass, cellulose and foam are used in different parts of a home. Karl also explains why new windows are not always the best first investment and what condensation on the glass may actually mean.

Meet Focus on Energy’s Energy Efficiency Experts at the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair from 1:30–2:30 p.m. on August 7–9 and August 14–16. The booth is at We Energies Energy Park

Unable to attend the fair? Visit "Ask the Energy Expert" and submit your home energy question online.

Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts—and join us on the journey toward a brighter, more efficient Wisconsin.

Past Podcasts

Episode 13 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" Renewable Energy in Wisconsin After 25 Years of Focus on Energy
Published: July 15th, 2026

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.

Episode 12 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" Building Energy-Efficient Homes for 25 Years
Published: June 15th, 2026

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.

Episode 11 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" New at the Focus on Energy Marketplace.
Published: May 15th, 2026

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.

Episode 10 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" Smarter Lighting. More Savings. Brighter Stars.
Published: April 15th, 2026

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.

Episode 9 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" How Focus on Energy Began Transforming Wisconsin 25 Years Ago
Published: March 15th, 2026

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.

Episode 8 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" Why Your Energy Efficiency Journey Should Start with Insulation/Air Sealing
Published: February 15th, 2026

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.

Episode 7 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" Celebrating 25 Years of Focus on Energy
Published: January 16th, 2026

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.

Episode 6 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" Home Energy Rebates Delivering More Savings for Homeowners
Published: December 15th, 2025

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.

Episode 5 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" Your Own Energy Advisor AT NO COST!
Published: November 14th, 2025

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.

Episode 4 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" Bright Ideas at the Barbershop
Published: October 16th, 2025

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.

Episode 3 - "Watts Up Wisconsin?" In-Home Energy Assessments
Published: September 18th, 2025

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

Episode 2 - "Watt's Up, Wisconsin?" How Focus on Energy Helps Wisconsin Homes & Businesses
Published: August 25th, 2025

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.

Episode 1 - "Watts Up Wisconsin?" Focus on Wisconsin’s Energy Efficiency Efforts
Published: July 10th, 2025

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!

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.