Celebrate Energy Careers this October!

This October, let's celebrate Careers in Energy Awareness Week, October 19-23, and help students recognize the wide range of career paths that keep Wisconsin powered. Sign up for this fall's final Slipstream Clean Energy Career Fair, or a KidWind or SolarWise training to give your students a strong foundation in the renewable energy of the future! Plus, read on for the one-year update of Heather's journey to an all-electric, solar-powered home.

One Year of an All-Electric House

Last October, Heather Phelps shared her energy journey after buying her first home.

Heather used various programs and incentives to invest in major energy-efficiency upgrades including upgrading the home's electrical system to 200 amps; installing a rooftop solar array, battery storage, and an EV charger; and replacing her furnace and air conditioner with a heat pump.

Despite the complexity, the project demonstrated how even an older home can be transformed into an efficient, all-electric home.

At that time, Heather promised to collect and share real-world performance data. Now that she's a year into the experience, she's doing exactly that. So let’s dive in!

Read the One Year in an All-Electric House update

Interested in learning more?

Heather will be hosting an open house for the Wisconsin Science Festival on October 20 from 4 - 6 p.m.

Stop by to tour the house, ask questions, and hear from KEEP and LEAF colleagues about solar power, EV ownership, and the benefits of trees.

And if Heather's update has you interested in getting real-time energy usage data for your school, consider signing up to compete in Renew Our Schools and getting a free eGauge installation!

Applications for Green Team Mini-Grants are open!

Invite your students to apply for a grant of $300 - $700 for an energy-related project to reduce their school’s carbon footprint.

Looking for more information? Students and teachers/advisors are invited to attend a free virtual info session to ask questions and brainstorm project ideas.

October 22 – Green Team Mini-Grant Info Session (4 p.m. on Zoom), or
October 26 – Green Team Mini-Grant Info Session (4 p.m. on Zoom)

Registration is open for 2027 KidWind!

From now until November 15, teams of students grades 3-12 are invited to sign up for the Wisconsin KidWind Challenge!

The KidWind Challenge is a free hands-on renewable energy competition. Teams build and test wind turbines or solar devices, learning about energy engineering through collaboration and hands-on discovery.

They test their device at one of two Regional Challenges - Feb. 5 in Oak Creek, or Feb. 11 in Eau Claire. Top teams then advance to the State KidWind Challenge in Madison on March 13.

Learn more and register for the KidWind Challenge

Professional Development Opportunities!

In-person Offerings

• KidWind Educator Workshop | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., October 10, 2026 | Custer

• SolarWise for Schools | 9:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., November 5, 2026 | Green Bay

• KidWind Solar Energy for Educators Workshop | 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., November 7, 2026 | Janesville

Virtual Offerings

• Green Team Mini-Grant Info Session | 4 - 5 p.m., Thursday, October 22 | Zoom

• Green Team Mini-Grant Info Session | 4 - 5 p.m., Monday, October 26 | Zoom

On-Demand Offerings

• Climate Education for Wisconsin – On-Demand

• Energy Education: Concepts and Practices - Online Module

KidWind Solar Energy for Educators Workshop

Want to deepen your students’ knowledge of energy during their KidWind journey?

KEEP is partnering with KidWind to offer a solar workshop on November 7. Receive a $150 stipend, $175 in equipment, and support in coaching your students to success at KidWind!

Date: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
Location: UW-Whitewater at Rock County, Janesville, WI

Wisconsin Science Festival is here!

Join us at the Wisconsin Science Festival! This year, the theme is "Us" - a celebration of the brain and body, our place in the universe, and the discoveries and scientists that shape our shared wellbeing.

With climate change being one of the biggest issues of our time, we chose to focus on celebrating the discoveries and inventions that help us solve the climate crisis and build a brighter future. We hope you'll be able to join us in Oshkosh, Stevens Point, or Superior to Explore Climate Solutions!

Exploring Climate Solutions: Energy Conservation At Home & In Our Community from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. October 17 in Oshkosh
Exploring Climate Solutions: Electrify Your Life from 4 to 6 p.m. October 20 in Stevens Point
Exploring Climate Solutions: The Superpowers of Street Trees from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 21 in Superior

Or find a Wisconsin Science Festival event near you.

SolarWise® for Schools Workshop

In this workshop, you'll explore SolarWise® for Schools, a curriculum featuring 30+ hands-on renewable energy lessons. Experience a sample activity, discover classroom applications, and learn about the WPS Solar Olympics.

Note: This free opportunity is intended for educators in the Wisconsin Public Service territory. Check this list to verify your eligibility.

9:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Thursday, November 5, 2026

NWTC College of Business | Green Bay, WI

Find Your Utility

KEEP is funded by six of the utility companies in Wisconsin: Alliant Energy, Madison Gas & Electric, We Energies, WPPI Energy, Wisconsin Public Service, and Xcel Energy.

Curious whether your home or school is served by one of these utility providers? The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin maintains maps that show electric and natural gas service territories. Not seeing WPPI on the map? It serves over 50 local electric utilities. Use its member list to find out if yours is one of them.

A huge thanks to our funders for the support that makes all of KEEP's work possible!

Check out the PSC's maps

Wisconsin Youth Climate Conference

Students across Wisconsin, from 8th grade through college, are invited to attend the Wisconsin Youth Climate Conference on November 14 at Madison College.

With a theme of "Local Leadership, Global Impact," and presentations from schools around the state about their climate impacts, this is a powerful opportunity to network with other youth and receive inspiration and support for future projects.

Registration, parking, and food are all free, and $100 honorariums are available for student groups who present or exhibit. Teachers may attend if accompanying students.

Energy Educator of the Year

Time to brag! Doing something electrifying with energy education? Know someone whose students just light up for learning? Nominate yourself or someone you know for the Energy Educator of the Year Award! Nominations are due December 31.

Nominate an Energy Educator of the Year!

Registration is open for the Wisconsin State Environmental Education Conference

Join us and environmental educators from across the state November 5 - 7 in Green Bay for WAEE's Wisconsin State Environmental Conference.

KEEP will present "AgriSolar Innovations: Nature + Food + Energy" on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

We hope to see you there!

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The KEEP program is funded with generous support by Alliant Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, WPPI Energy, and Xcel Energy.

Published October 2026