The Wisconsin Public Service Commission also plays a role in how much the state’s utilities contribute to climate change.

In recent years, the commission approved electric rate increases that were structured in ways that Nemet said undermined demand for solar power.

In 2014 and 2016 the commission boosted the fixed monthly charges on consumers’ bills, while constraining or even decreasing charges for the amount of electricity used.

The utilities said higher fixed charges were needed to cover costs of things like poles and wires that benefit all customers no matter how much power they use.

But opponents said the change would hurt people who don’t use much electricity — including those who invest in things like solar power panels, energy-saving appliances and insulation — because they would pay the higher fixed rate even though they used less electricity.

Madison Gas and Electric had wanted to increase its $10.50 monthly fixed rate to $67 over three years while slicing the 14 cents per killowatt-hour usage charge to 3 cents during winter months, with a similar cut in summer months.

In 2014, the commission majority instead approved nearly doubling the fixed rate along with a less pronounced reduction for power used.