FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2003

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Regina D. Biddings, Director
NIPSCO Communications and Community Relations
(219) 647-6388

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. - William M. O'Malley has been named vice president of Finance for Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), the company announced today.

In addition to leading the finance and accounting operations at NIPSCO, O'Malley will oversee the finance functions at Northern Indiana Fuel and Light Company, Inc., and Kokomo Gas and Fuel Company. All three companies are wholly-owned subsidiaries of NiSource Inc.

Prior to being elected to his new position, O'Malley was director of Investor Relations at NiSource. He has held numerous finance positions within the organization, including chief accountant of NIPSCO and director of accounting for NiSource. O'Malley joined the company in 1978 as an accountant. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Indiana University Northwest.

"Bill has held a variety of finance and accounting roles during his tenure with our organization," said NIPSCO President and CEO Barrett Hatches. "He has broad experience in rates, regulatory, and finance accounting and will be a strong member of our leadership team."

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 430,000 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.com.