September 11, 2003

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
Larry Graham, Manager
NIPSCO Communications and Community Relations
(260) 439-1330

NIPSCO Reviewing Wednesday IURC Order on March 2003 Gas Cost

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. --- Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) announced today it is reviewing the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission's (IURC) order to understand the reason behind ruling, and will determine next steps within the 20-day period allowed for a response.

"NIPSCO has a proven track record as a supplier of reliable natural gas to our customers," said Dan Gavito, vice president of Strategy, Regulatory and Sales Indiana. "Our purchasing practices have ensured our customers have ample supplies of natural gas to meet their needs while fulfilling our legal obligations relative to reliability and price."

"We are, therefore, disappointed the commission has disallowed any portion of the costs incurred for natural gas purchases NIPSCO made for our customers during March 2003 - a month of significant natural gas price volatility in the national marketplace," said Gavito.

The order calls for NIPSCO to refund $3.8 million over a three-month period. Customers will see the refund on their utility bills during November and December 2003, and January 2004.

While the amount would vary with usage, the average customer would receive a refund of $1.20 per month during the three-month period.