FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2003

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
Carol Churchill
Director, Communications
(888) 696-0481
cchurchill@nisource.com

Gavito Appointed to the Indiana Legislative Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. --- NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) is pleased to announce that Dan Gavito, vice president, Energy Supply Services for NiSource, has been appointed to serve on the Indiana Legislative Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs.

"It is an honor to be a representative of the northwest Indiana Hispanic/Latino community," said Gavito. "I look forward to promoting the interests of all Indiana Hispanics through the work of the commission."

"The creation of the Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs is a recognition of the importance of the Spanish-speaking community in Indiana," Indiana House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer (D-South Bend) explained. "The community is rapidly growing in our state and will play a significant and positive role in Indiana's future. The commission will help the General Assembly better understand the numerous issues affecting the various Hispanic/Latino communities."

"One of the areas of focus for the commission is economic development," said State Rep. John Aguilera (D-East Chicago). "I recommended that Dan Gavito be named as a commission member because of his extensive business background. I know Dan will offer his knowledge and expertise in our efforts to help nurture Latino businesses and help them grow to their fullest potential."

Gavito began his career at NIPSCO, a subsidiary of NiSource, in 1993 as manager of Gas Supply and Transportation. He holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Texas, Austin.

About NiSource
NiSource Inc. is a Fortune 500 holding company with headquarters in Merrillville, Ind., whose core operating companies engage in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to more than 3.7 million customers located within the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. Information about NiSource and its subsidiaries is available at www.nisource.com.