Watt's Up, Wisconsin?

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, w...

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 weatherstripp...

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,...

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 la...

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 •...

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...

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 i...

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,...

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 affo...

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 m...

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...