FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2002

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Chris Taelman, Manager
NIPSCO Communications
(219) 284-2151

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) announced today its plan to continue the replacement of more than 11 miles of natural gas mains on the northwest side of South Bend. In addition, the company will replace approximately 1,500 gas services and meters in the same area. The project began in April 1, and will be completed by November.

The project is a part of NIPSCO's Gas Distribution Improvement Plan (GDIP). Since 1971, NIPSCO has installed approximately 370 miles of new gas distribution pipeline in the South Bend area. The entire GDIP for the South Bend area is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2004 and will include the installation of an additional 16 miles of pipeline.

"This initiative is part of NIPSCO's ongoing service commitment to our customers," said Bob Schacht, Distribution Operations vice president and chief operating officer for NIPSCO. "Replacing existing natural gas distribution lines and services with new lines and services assures our customers they will continue to receive natural gas in the most safe and reliable manner available."

This year's portion of the project will affect customers in the area within Bulla, Goodland, Humboldt and Portage streets. In addition, customers bordered by Lincolnway West, Wilbur and Humboldt will also be included. Crews from NIPSCO, Mueller Energy Services, Inc. and Bob Somers Plumbing will install the new gas mains and services. NIPSCO's Service Department will complete the meter relocation, piping and appliance re-lights portion of the project.

Customers living in the project areas who are away from their home during the day will receive a card at their door with instructions to call NIPSCO's 24-hour customer service center at 1-800-4-NIPSCO (1-800-464-7726).

Throughout the project, NIPSCO will minimize customer inconveniences and access restrictions to customers' property by boring under driveways, sidewalks, and curbs when possible. New gas mains will be installed in lawns or alleys. Gas service lines will be installed by boring or plowing. At the completion of the construction phase, NIPSCO will restore the appropriate portion of customers' property that may have been disrupted.

NIPSCO is asking all customers to inform the company about any underground obstructions such as sprinkler systems, privately owned sewer lines or any other items that require special precautions. In addition, NIPSCO is reminding customers about the importance of calling Indiana Underground when working on or around their property.

"The safety of our customers and employees is very important," said Schacht. "In addition to the work that NIPSCO is performing, we are reminding customers who may be working in or around their properties that state law requires they contact Indiana Underground at least two business days in advance of any digging or excavation," said Schacht. "With a simple phone call, locates will be made to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines in the work area, and provide customers the green light for improvement projects around their home that require digging or excavation."

Schacht said the service is free to residential customers. The toll-free phone number for Indiana Underground is 1-800-382-5544.