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 today

If 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.