FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2003

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Regina D. Biddings, Director NIPSCO Communications (219) 647-6388

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. --- Mark Maassel has been elected president of Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), NiSource Inc. announced today. NiSource is the parent company of NIPSCO.

In his new position, Maassel will be responsible for maintaining strong relationships in NIPSCO's marketplace, particularly in the regulatory, legislative and community relations arenas. Ken Foley has been named General Manager, in charge of Operations in Indiana. Jerry Godwin will be vice president and chief operating officer of Electric Generation and Transmission.

Maassel's role reflects the importance the company places on continuing and enhancing its proactive, visible presence in the community. "We have some 700,000 natural gas and 430,000 electric customers located in Indiana," Maassel said. "Our communities, customers and employees are important to our success as an organization and we are committed to being a good corporate citizen. Our strong management team is committed to delivering solid customer service while continuing to strengthen the company's presence in the communities we serve."

Maassel will report to Robert C. Skaggs, Jr., who has been promoted to executive vice president, Regulated Revenue, at NiSource, with responsibilities for: developing the company's regulatory strategies; managing large customer contacts, energy supply services and gas transportation programs; and leading external relations across all NiSource markets.

NiSource's new organizational structure has eliminated the position of chief executive officer. As a result, former NIPSCO President and Chief Executive Officer Barrett Hatches has decided to leave the organization.

Maassel, who was previously vice president of Regulatory and Governmental Policy for NiSource, has served in various leadership roles throughout his more than two decades with the corporation. He also has been involved with power plant construction and engineering, managed the environmental department, gas and electric distribution operations, and sales organizations.

Maassel earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota and a juris doctorate degree with honors from the Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the Indiana State Bar Association, Utility Law Section.

He serves on the Lake Area United Way Board, chairs the Ivy Tech State College Foundation, is a member of the American Gas Association Research Committee, and a member of the Gas Institute Technology Board.

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.