Wisconsin regulators have authorized Alliant Energy to forgive up to $5 million in unpaid utility bills and spread the costs among all ratepayers. The Public Service Commission voted 2-1 Tuesday to approve a debt forgiveness plan that could become a model for other utilities trying to manage growing past-due balances as they have been prevented from disconnecting customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Alliant plan, roughly 4,000 low-income residential customers who owe at least $300 for more than 60 days will be automatically enrolled in the program and have their balance reduced by 25%. Each subsequent payment will reduce the debt by another 1/12. So, if the customer pays bills on time for the next year, the past-due balance will be forgiven. Those who miss two consecutive payments in the next year will be kicked out of the program.