Pete Seyfer and Megan Turner, hosts of Alliant Energy's PowerHouse

Welcome to PowerHouse!

Alliant Energy's PowerHouse is an award-winning educational program designed to help you improve the energy efficiency, safety and comfort of your home.
PowerHouse Challenge logo

PowerHouse Challenge

Every month you can take part in an energy-efficient home improvement challenge. These challenges include seasonal topics to help you save on your energy bill all year long.

September challenge: Prepare for back-to-school season.

It's September, time for kids to refocus on school. It's also a great time to refocus the whole family on energy-saving habits. The key is to make small changes. The payoff is a lower bill and less stress on the electric grid.

Use these tips to save energy at home this school year:

  • Unplug unused devices. Many devices still consume power when plugged in but not in use. It’s called phantom energy, and it may account for up to 10% of your annual usage. An advanced power strip can detect when a device is not in use and automatically cut power to it.
  • Adjust your thermostat. Since there will be fewer people in the house during the day, you won’t need to keep your home as cool. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher to reduce energy waste. You may consider installing a smart thermostat. They can learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly.
  • Swap out your bulbs. With the kids away, you’ll use fewer lights on a regular basis. You can save even more by swapping incandescent bulbs for LEDs. LEDs last longer and use much less energy.
  • Get the kids involved in after-school activities. When the kids are out of the house, they’re less likely to spend excessive time on electronic devices. Encourage outdoor activities or after-school groups to keep them busy and entertained.

With a few small changes you’ll be well on your way to an energy-efficient school year!

Learn more about how advanced power strips can help manage phantom energy usage from Pete and Megan.

three kids wearing backpacks walking

August challenge: Prepare for storm season.

Storms can be a real downer, especially when they knock out the power. Don’t get stuck in the dark unprepared! Fortunately, there are things you and your family can do before the next storm hits:

  • Sign up for outage alerts in My Account.
  • Stock up on nonperishable food, water and pet items.
  • Keep flashlights and extra batteries handy.
  • Protect electronics with surge protectors.

The best way to weather a storm is to have a safety plan in place ahead of time!

If you don’t know where to begin, let Pete and Megan show you how to prepare a home emergency kit.

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Portable heaters and generators are convenient, but use them with extreme caution.

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One of the biggest purchases a homeowner can make is to install a new furnace and air conditioner. Learn what you need to know when faced with this big decision.

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Appliances and electronics

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Learn how to choose and make the most of your household appliances and electronics.

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Windows and doors

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Learn how to find the most energy-efficient models, or tighten up the ones you have.

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Show times and more

Pete and Megan, hosts of PowerHouse

Meet our hosts and find out when PowerHouse airs in your area.

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Upcoming show

September 23, 2023

segment 1
Fireplace install

segment 2
Chimney sweep

segment 3
Spray foam

segment 4
SolarfFarm