The Electric Wire

Former Wisconsin congressman and state legislative leader Peter Barca, who also served as Wisconsin's Department of Revenue Secretary, joins the Electric Wire to talk about his work with Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future and the changing role of natural gas and renewable energy in Wisconsin’s energy mix.We discuss new polling on Wisconsin voters’ energy priorities, the transition away from coal, why voters see natural gas and renewables working together, and what it all means for affordability, reliability and emissions. Link to WI polling by Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future can be found here: https://www.naturalalliesforcleanenergy.org/2026/08/new-wisconsin-poll-voters-want-affordable-reliable-energy-and-a-balanced-approach-to-getting-there/

Commissioner Kristy Nieto of the Public Service Commissionof Wisconsin joins the Electric Wire to discuss her background on consumer issues and the work she’s doing now to ensure that customers are at the forefront of decision-making.

Commissioner Nieto will also be speaking at the upcoming Customers First Coalition Power Breakfast on September 15, 2026. Registration information and a full agenda can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cfc-power-breakfast-2026-affordability-and-the-customer-experience-tickets-1994715712392

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Commissioner Nieto’s appearance on the Electric Wire podcast in 2021 (Episode 12, Energy Assistance During the Pandemic): https://youtu.be/9ogRle6Rdms

Commissioner Nieto’s appointment to chair the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Committee on Consumers and the Public Interest: https://www.wispolitics.com/2026/public-service-commission-psc-commissioner-nieto-appointed-chair-of-the-naruc-committee-on-consumers-and-the-public-interest/

Register for CFC’s 2026 Power Breakfast in Madison bySeptember 10!https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cfc-power-breakfast-2026-affordability-and-the-customer-experience-tickets-1994715712392

In this episode of The Electric Wire, host Kristin Gilkes sits down with Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Summer Strand to discuss the evolving role of utility regulation at a time of rising scrutiny, growing energy demand, and increasing conversations around affordability and reliability.Chairperson Strand shares insights into her experience leading the PSCW and previews the upcoming Mid-America Regulatory Conference (MARC) in Madison, where regulators from across the country will gather to discuss the most pressing issues facing the utility industry today. The conversation explores how regulators balance technical analysis with public policy debates, why forums like MARC matter, and what attendees can expect from this year’s conference agenda.MARC 2026 Registration Link: https://marc-conference.org/marc-conference/registration/

Nuclear energy is back in the conversation in Wisconsin—and across the country.

In this episode of The Electric Wire, host Kristin Gilkes sits down with Alex Moe to discuss his recent reporting on renewed interest in nuclear development, including efforts to revive the former Kewaunee nuclear site. This story is party of a larger Spotlight on Energy Series produced by the State Affairs network.

Read Alex’s article:
Effort to revive Kewaunee County site comes amid rising interest in nuclear energy https://pro.stateaffairs.com/wi/news/effort-to-revive-kewaunee-county-site-comes-amid-rising-interest-in-nuclear-energy

For More:Kristin recently joined Alex on WisBusiness: The Podcast to discuss data centers and energy affordability—listen here:
https://www.wisbusiness.com/2026/wisbusiness-the-podcast-with-kristin-gilkes-customers-first-coalition/

In 2025, discussions on the Electric Wire podcast centered around reliability, affordability, and regulation in a time of load growth. This year-in-review episode features top highlights from our 2025 episodes.

In this episode of The Electric Wire, we explore how Manitowoc Public Utilities is turning waste into energy — and reshaping what renewable, dispatchable power can look like for Wisconsin. Host Kristin Gilkes is joined by Troy Adams, CEO and General Manager of MPU, and co-host Tyler Vorpagel from the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin to discuss the Refuel Renewable Project and what it means for the future of public power.

Gary Meltz and Brad Viator of Power for Tomorrow join the podcast to discuss how the regulated electric utility model protects customers, how deregulation drives up electric bills, and how to address some of the challenges facing the industry today. Links: Gary's Column: Electric Deregulation Historically Means Higher Power Billshttps://www.powerfortomorrow.org/news/real-clear-energy-electric-deregulation-historically-means-higher-power-billsMore on Brad's RTO Insider Column: https://www.powerfortomorrow.org/news/rto-insider-pjm-is-flailing-but-theres-a-solutionPower for Tomorrow: https://www.powerfortomorrow.org/Podcast referenced in this episode: Utility Regulation Really Sucks: Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkinshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0reuOqB6EuxqnGmGHbvSEo

What does the data really say about the reliability of Wisconsin’s electric grid amid rising demand and evolving energy needs? Host Kristin Gilkes is joined by John Jicha and Scott Smith of Madison Gas and Electric to break down the facts, clear up misconceptions, and explore what’s ahead for the state’s energy future.

CFC's 2025 Power Breakfast featured discussions about data centers and energy use. Thanks to WisconsinEye for providing coverage of the event; please visit wiseye.org/donate to support their mission.

Event link on WisconsinEye: https://wiseye.org/2025/05/06/customers-first-coalition-2025-power-breakfast/

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Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) joins the Electric Wire to discuss legislative guiding principles, his personal perspective on nuclear power, load growth, and bipartisan energy solutions.

Mentioned in this discussion:

WisconsinEye coverage of CFC’s 2025 Power Breakfast on Data Centers and Energy Use:

https://wiseye.org/2025/05/06/customers-first-coalition-2025-power-breakfast/

Electric Wire, Episode 36 - Considerations When Installing Solar Power at Your Home or Business

https://youtu.be/g-FRPsCxc7E