FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2003

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. --- Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has received approximately 3,500 resumes from job applicants seeking to fill some 175 entry-level positions that will become available within the company over the next three months.

NIPSCO is anticipating a number of retirements during the next year. The company also is planning for the possible re-opening of its Dean H. Mitchell Generating Station in Gary, Ind. 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 are pleased with the quantity and caliber of applications that we have received so far," said Doug Bobillo, Labor Relations director. "It is clear that our pay and benefit package make NIPSCO an employer of choice in Northern Indiana and it is encouraging to know that we will be able to place skilled individuals into good-paying jobs at a time when the local economy could really benefit from this."

Most new hires in the skilled classifications 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.

Resumes must be sent via e-mail to 10712-Free@ResumePros.net and will be accepted through December 31, 2003.

NIPSCO also announced that it hired additional Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) in 2003 after receiving approximately 2,000 resumes in order to fill 55 part-time positions. The CSRs had starting salaries of $17.10 per hour, paid on-the-job training, earned vacation, and medical insurance after working 520 hours. As of January 1, 2004, the CSRs will have a starting salary of $17.61 an hour.

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.