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The Electric Wire

The Electric Wire

Hosted by Customers First! Coalition

NewsInterviews guests

Episodes

62

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN

About the show

The Electric Wire Podcast is a production of the Customers First! Coalition, featuring Wisconsin energy and utilities interviews and news.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
May 13, 202627 min

PSCW Chairperson Summer Strand Previews Upcoming MARC Conference in Madison

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/

April 10, 202618 min

Nuclear Energy’s Comeback? A Conversation with WisBusiness Reporter Alex Moe

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/

December 30, 202538 min

2025 Highlight Clips

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.

December 19, 202551 min

Public Power Innovation: Inside MPU’s Refuel Renewable Project

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.

September 24, 202543 min

The True Cost of Electric Deregulation with Power for Tomorrow

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

August 1, 202529 min

Power Check: Insights on Wisconsin’s Energy Reliability

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.

June 20, 20252 hr 16 min

Power Breakfast 2025 - Data Centers and Energy Use

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/(Free account needed to access)

June 2, 202530 min

Staying Connected with Rep. Adam Neylon

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 Businesshttps://youtu.be/g-FRPsCxc7E

March 14, 202516 min

Good Energy and the Power of the People with Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde

Wisconsin State Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde (D-Milwaukee) joins the Electric Wire to discuss recent legislative initiatives, energy policy, and creating a bridge between urban and rural Wisconsin residents with climate initiatives. As mentioned in the episode, CFC is hosting our annual Power Breakfast on May 6, 2025, in Madison and this year's topic is data centers and energy use. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cfc-power-breakfast-2025-data-centers-and-energy-use-tickets-1246469396519

December 30, 202448 min

2024 Year-in-Review Roundtable + 2025 Predictions

Our year-in-review crew is back to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025. Special guests include: Kara Pennoyer, Chief of Staff to Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Summer Strand; Matthew Spencer, Director of Government Relations, Madison Gas and Electric; Luke Fuller, Government Relations Manager, Dairyland Power Cooperative; Jessica Niekrasz, Vice President of Operations, BIOFerm.

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