FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2004

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has received approximately 5,200 resumes from job applicants seeking to fill some 175 entry-level positions that will become available in the company over the next three months.

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.

“The response to this job offering has been tremendous,” said Mark Maassel, NIPSCO president. “The fact that we are hearing from a number of people who are already employed indicates that our pay and benefit package make NIPSCO an employer of choice in Northern Indiana.”

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.

NIPSCO is anticipating a number of retirements during this year.

NIPSCO also recently completed hiring additional Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) 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. Any representatives hired after January 1, 2004, have a starting salary of $17.61 an hour.

At the present time, the company is no longer accepting applications.

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.