FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2005

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Larry Graham NIPSCO Communications (260) 439-1330

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. - A severe winter storm that moved across Northern Indiana Wednesday and early Thursday morning resulted in only scattered customer outages across Northern Indiana Public Service Company’s (NIPSCO) service area. Outage problems that did occur were primarily caused by wind and freezing rain that moved through the area overnight. NIPSCO crews worked through the night and had restored service to most customers by this morning.

NIPSCO is also responding to requests for assistance from neighboring utilities in central Indiana hard hit by the recent ice storm. In additional to sending its own crews and equipment NIPSCO will also be releasing tree trimming and electrical contractor crews who are contractually committed to NIPSCO to assist with the central Indiana restoration efforts.

Over the duration of the storm, approximately 2,400 customers lost power of the 440,000 customers served by NIPSCO, but crews were able to make quick repairs to restore power.

NIPSCO offers the following safety tips to help customers prepare for unexpected electrical outages:

• Check first: Customers who lose power should first check their home's circuit breaker or fuse box. In some cases power outages may be attributed to a problem inside the home.

• Stay away from downed lines: If you notice a downed power line, back away from the line, call NIPSCO immediately, and wait for help from trained personnel.

• Call your electrician: Should the electric meter box and service wire entrance attached to your home be damaged in a storm, a qualified electrician will need to make repairs before NIPSCO can restore power.

• NIPSCO is always available: Call NIPSCO if your service is interrupted. Since some cordless phones do not operate during outages, it is recommended that you maintain at least one corded or cellular phone in your home. NIPSCO's customer service center is available 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week. Customers can report outage information through our Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system or to a qualified customer service representative (CSR).

• Watch the weather: Stay up to date on potential weather situations.

• Prepare an emergency kit: Keep a first-aid kit with essential supplies, medicines and other special items, including non-perishable food and water, a non-electric can opener and a non-electric source of light, such as a glow stick or flashlight.

• Keep equipment close and ready: Ensure flashlights, portable radios and battery-operated alarm clocks are readily accessible with fully charged batteries. If candles are used, be sure to monitor them closely and never leave them burning unattended.

• Be ready with energy back-up: Make prior arrangements for back-up energy service if someone in your family requires life-support equipment.

• Conserve during interruptions: Conserve refrigeration during service interruptions by refraining from repeatedly opening refrigerator and freezer doors. Cool air escapes every time the door is opened, making the contents inside more susceptible to spoilage.

NIPSCO, with headquarters in Merrillville, Ind., is one of the 10 energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). With nearly 700,000 natural gas customers and 440,000 electric customers across the northern third of Indiana, NIPSCO is the largest natural gas distribution company, and the second largest electric distribution company, in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.7 million natural gas and electric customers primarily in nine states. More information about NIPSCO is available at www.nipsco.nisource.com.