Episodes

Long before energy efficiency became common business practice, Charlie Schneider, Dean Lauby 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. Hear how practical energy improvements have helped factories, farms, schools and public buildings control costs, strengthen operations and supp...

A boiler failure during a Wisconsin winter can mean emergency repair costs, unhappy tenants and a rushed replacement decision. Planning ahead gives multifamily property owners more time to understand the building's needs, compare equipment and explore available incentives. In this episode of Watt's Up, Wisconsin?, host Ron Giordan talks with Focus on Energy multifamily expert Doug Dettlaff about: Energy-saving support available for multifamily common areas and individual units How an Energy A...

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! Bring your questions to the Focus on Energy booth at We Energies Energy Park from 1:30–2:30 p.m. on August 7–9 and August 14–16. You can submit a home energy question through ...

Focus on Energy is celebrating 25 years of helping Wisconsin residents and businesses save energy and money — and renewable energy has changed dramatically during that time. 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, far...

What does it take to build an energy-efficient home in Wisconsin? As Focus on Energy celebrates 25 years of helping Wisconsinites save energy and money, we're joined by two builders who have helped shape the future of residential construction across the state. Eric Willman of Veridian Homes and Cody Filipczak of C&M Builders discuss how homebuilding has evolved over the past quarter century, why energy efficiency has become a standard part of quality construction, and what today's homebuyers e...

Explore easy, affordable ways to save energy at home with the Focus on Energy Marketplace. In this episode of Watt’s Up Wisconsin, Ron Giordan and guest Jill Deso break down the new room-focused energy-saving packs, DIY upgrades, and simple products that help Wisconsin residents cut energy waste, improve comfort, and lower utility bills. From LED lighting and advanced power strips to weatherstripping and air sealing, learn how small changes can lead to big savings.

Light pollution affects wildlife, human health, energy use, and even our ability to see the Milky Way. In this episode, Ron Giordan talks with Brenna Marsicek and Evan Croft from Lights Out Wisconsin about how smarter lighting protects migrating birds, reduces energy waste, and lowers utility bills. Topics Covered: What light pollution is Why LED color temperature matters Wildlife impacts (birds, insects, nocturnal species) Energy waste from outdoor lighting Cost savings from proper fixtures Sim...

Focus on Energy has helped Wisconsin residents and businesses save energy and money for more than 25 years. But how did the program begin? 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. Kathy shares behind-the-scenes stories from the late 1990s when Wisconsin was building a statewide approach to energy efficiency. She talks about the...

This month on "Watt’s Up, Wisconsin?" host Ron Giordan sits 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. We break down: • Why insulation & air sealing should ALWAYS come first • How Energy Advisors and Trade Allies work together • What issues Jason sees inside Wisconsin homes e...

Focus on Energy is celebrating 25 years of helping Wisconsin use energy smarter — and we’re kicking off 2026 with the story behind it all. In this special anniversary episode of Watt’s Up Wisconsin?, host Ron Giordan sits down with Jolene Sheil, Focus on Energy Portfolio Manager at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and one of the original leaders who helped build Focus on Energy from the ground up. Together, they look back at how the program started, how it has evolved over the past 2...

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. Learn how to get started, ...

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?, host Ron Giordan chats with Leah Maggio, 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...

In this episode, John Sonarski, owner of Kingdom of Hair Barbershop, 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. Key Takea...

You’ll hear how assessments uncover things you can’t spot on your own, like hidden air leaks, insulation gaps, or even safety issues that affect your family’s comfort and health. Andy also shares real stories of homeowners who made upgrades after an assessment and saw immediate improvements—lower bills, fewer drafts, and homes that just felt better.

In this episode of Watt’s Up Wisconsin, 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. Together, they cover: Free energy-saving packs every household can order each year Rebates and discounts that make big home upgrades more affordable Home energy assessments that uncover hidden savings and improve comfort Inflatio...

In this kickoff episode, host Ron Giordan talks with Erin Soman, Executive Director of Focus on Energy, about the origins of the program, how it works, and the many ways it helps Wisconsin residents and businesses save energy and money. They cover: How Focus on Energy got started How to get free products and home energy assessments Working with local Trade Ally contractors Energy-saving strategies for businesses Helpful links: