FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2004

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Julia Van De Water, Manager NIPSCO Communications (574) 284-2151

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. --- As summer temperatures arrive and home cooling begins, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) reminds customers that using energy wisely can reduce consumption and save money on utility bills. The following are suggestions for homeowners looking for simple ways to conserve energy:

• At night, raise the air conditioner’s thermostat setting, and while away, turn off the air conditioner.
• An attic exhaust fan removes hot air from the attic and helps reduce the cooling load of the air conditioner.
• Thermostats for heating and air conditioning should be on an inside wall or where they will not be subject to draft.
• Keep blowers clean and motors of heating and air conditioning equipment properly serviced for more efficient operation.
• Replace furnace filters regularly
• Make sure all sun-exposed windows have draperies. Let the sun in on cool days and keep it out on warm days.
• With a cooling system, keep the house at the minimum comfort level. Each degree cooler than 78°F uses substantially more energy.
• Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather-stripping.
• Set water heater temperatures at 120°F and install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.
• The attic and basement (or crawl space) should have the recommended level of insulation. Consider storm or thermal windows and doors or double-paned glass. A less-expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to retain air conditioning.
• Be sure that dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers are fully loaded before using them.
• When buying new appliances, compare energy-efficiency ratings and annual operating costs. A slightly higher initial cost for high-efficiency appliances could be recovered in a very short time through energy savings and lower utility bills.

NIPSCO’s “99 Ways to Conserve Energy” brochure and additional energy-saving tips for both cooling and heating is available by request at no charge to customers when they call 1-800-464-7726. Customers can also view the brochure online at www.nipsco.com.

In addition, NIPSCO continues to remind customers who may be planning summer home improvement and construction projects to contact Indiana Underground and “Call Before You Dig” at 1-800-382-5544. State law requires individuals to contact Indiana Underground at least two business days in advance of digging or excavation.

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.