NIPSCO Electric System Operating Without Problem

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2003

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Media
Kris Falzone
Director, Corporate Affairs
NiSource Inc.
(219) 647-5581
klfalzone@nisource.com
Investors
Rae Kozlowski
Manager, Investor Relations
NiSource Inc.
(219) 647-6083
ekozlowski@nisource.com

Northern Indiana Public Service Company declares preferred dividends

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. --- The directors of Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), have declared dividends on the following NIPSCO preferred stocks (AMEX: NI_P):

$1.0625 per share on 4-1/4 percent cumulative preferred stock;

$1.13 per share on 4-1/2 percent cumulative preferred stock;

$1.06 per share on 4.22 percent cumulative preferred stock;

$1.22 per share on 4.88 percent cumulative preferred stock;

$1.86 per share on 7.44 percent cumulative preferred stock;

$1.87 per share on 7.50 percent cumulative preferred stock;

$1.9375 per share on 7-3/4 percent cumulative preferred stock;

$2.0875 per share on 8.35 percent cumulative preferred stock; and

75 cents per share on the adjustable rate cumulative preferred stock, series A.

All of the above are payable on Oct. 14, 2003, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Sept. 16, 2003.

About NIPSCO
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.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Media Kris Falzone Director, Corporate Affairs NiSource Inc. (219) 647-5581 klfalzone@nisource.com Investors Rae Kozlowski Manager, Investor Relations NiSource Inc. (219) 647-6083 ekozlowski@nisource.com