FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2005
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Larry Graham, Manager
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MERRILLVILLE, Ind. --- Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) joined other industry officials today in reminding customers they should stay clear of high voltage electrical facilities following NBC’s Fear Factor Couples episode on Monday, showing a participant receiving an electrical shock while performing a stunt near a high voltage electrical substation.
“Using a high voltage electrical substation as a prop where participants receive a minor ‘nuisance shock’ undermines what NIPSCO and all utilities have tried to communicate to individuals and families regarding the potential electrocution dangers in these types of facilities,” said NIPSCO General Manager Tim Dehring. “Even though NIPSCO’s electrical facilities are secured and have warning signs, Monday’s ‘Fear Factor’ episode could result in an impressionable child or young adult being mislead about the potential danger.”
Other industry officials and utility companies criticized the network program for blurring the line between fantasy and reality in a way that could create disastrous results. In a flurry of public appeals, NBC was asked to pull the controversial episode from Monday’s entertainment lineup. The network did not comply with those requests.
NIPSCO encourages parents to inform children to stay clear of and never attempt to enter fenced-in electrical facilities. Customers should also avoid downed power lines following a storm or accident and call NIPSCO immediately so repairs can be made.
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..