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, why energy efficiency has become a standard part of quality construction, and what today's homebuyers expect from a new home.From insulation and air sealing to heat pump water heaters and advanced building practices, these builders explain how energy-efficient construction delivers comfort, durability, lower utility bills, and long-term value for homeowners.Whether you're planning to build, buy, or simply curious about how Wisconsin homes are changing, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people building the future—one home at a time.

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 Simple steps homeowners and businesses can take Focus on Energy lighting rebates Resources: LightsOutWI.org FocusOnEnergy.com Lighting rebates and incentives

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 early partnerships with utilities, the creative retail lighting promotions that helped move energy-efficient lighting into homes across the state, and the local businesses that helped protect the program during critical funding debates.It’s a look at how collaboration, innovation, and persistence helped build one of the nation’s longest-running statewide energy efficiency programs.

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 every week• How to stack Focus on Energy + IRA rebate savings• Why these upgrades deliver some of the best returns on investment• How to get started todayIf your home has drafts, uneven temperatures, high bills, or comfort issues — this episode is for you.

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 25 years, and what the data shows about its long-term impact — from strong cost-effectiveness to billions in lifecycle energy savings. Jolene also shares insights on the partnerships, people, and innovations that shaped the program, and what’s ahead as Wisconsin looks toward the next 25 years.Whether you’ve worked with Focus on Energy for years or are just learning about it, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Wisconsin’s most enduring energy programs.

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, find an IRA-Registered Contractor, and start planning your own home energy upgrades today.

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 projects from start to finish. Here’s how Energy Advisors support your bottom line—at no cost: ✅ Identify energy-saving opportunities in your building or facility ✅ Help plan and prioritize upgrades that make the biggest impact ✅ Connect you with rebates and incentives to offset costs ✅ Handle the paperwork so you can focus on your business ✅ Offer ongoing guidance to maximize long-term savings Whether you're managing a manufacturing plant, running a small business, or operating a family farm, Energy Advisors are helping Wisconsin businesses stay competitive, sustainable, and energy smart—one project at a time.

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 Takeaway:Energy efficiency isn’t just for factories and big corporations—it’s a win for local businesses too. With Focus on Energy, a few smart upgrades can boost comfort, reduce costs, and brighten Wisconsin’s communities.

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 yearRebates and discounts that make big home upgrades more affordableHome energy assessments that uncover hidden savings and improve comfortInflation Reduction Act rebates that can cover up to 100% of project costsSuccess stories from Wisconsin businesses, including one saving over $1.3 million annuallyWhether you’re a homeowner, renter, farmer, or business leader, this episode offers practical insights on how Focus on Energy can help you cut costs, reduce energy waste, and make your home or workplace more efficient.Start your journey at focusonenergy.comSubscribe to Watt’s Up Wisconsin for more stories and expert tips every month

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: