FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2003

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

NIPSCO Names Dehring General Manager

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. --- Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) announced today that effective January 1, 2004, Tim Dehring will become general manager (GM), Indiana Operations. Dehring joins Mark Maassel and Jerry Godwin on the Indiana leadership team. Dehring will replace Ken Foley, who is retiring at the end of the year.

Dehring will be responsible for all electric and gas distribution operations at NIPSCO, Northern Indiana Fuel and Light, and Kokomo Gas & Fuel. With more than 21 years experience at NIPSCO, Dehring's extensive knowledge base and experience will be important assets to the ongoing success of Indiana Operations.

Most recently Dehring was director, Construction, at NIPSCO. He also has served as vice president of Service Delivery and has held other positions in Operations and Engineering. Dehring will report to NiSource Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sam Miller.

"Tim knows how to manage our business efficiently while maintaining quality and excellent customer service. I know he will contribute to the success of our Indiana Operations," Miller said. "Tim will work closely with Mark and Jerry to ensure the continued safe, reliable delivery of natural gas and electricity to our customers across the northern third of Indiana."

Dehring has a master's degree in management from Purdue University and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

He serves on the Tradewinds Board of Directors and the Nature Works Conservancy District Board in Porter County.

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.