FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2003

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

NIPSCO Hiring Skilled Workers
Company to Hire Approximately 175

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. --- Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) is planning to hire up to 175 skilled workers for entry-level positions that will become available within the company over the next three months.

NIPSCO is looking to fill the positions in anticipation of expected retirements during the next year as well as the possible re-opening of the company's Mitchell Generating Station. The positions include a number of skilled classifications, including mechanics, equipment operators, generating station operators, maintenance personnel, electricians, instrument and control technicians, linemen, and servicemen.

"We believe that our pay and benefit package make NIPSCO an employer of choice in Northern Indiana and this is an opportune time to be looking for candidates with the desired training and experience in these skilled classifications," said Doug Bobillo, Labor Relations director. "The labor market in northern Indiana has many experienced electricians, plant operators and other skilled employees who lost their jobs during the recent economic downturn. This is a chance for NIPSCO to help promote an economic turnaround and employ some of those experienced workers."

Most new hires will start out as meter readers, with an hourly rate of $13.04, plus a benefit, vacation, and 401(k) package that is among the best in the area. Once hired, the new employees will have the opportunity to bid on skilled positions ranging from $20 to $30 per hour. Candidates are required to have a two-year technical degree or equivalent work experience in a skilled trade.

Applications will only be accepted via e-mail at 10712-FREE@RESUMEPROS.NET. Applicants are encouraged to apply by December 15, 2003.

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.