FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2004

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Alyce Butler, Manager NIPSCO Communications (219) 886-5539

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. --- Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) announced that five northwest Indiana students received $5,000 in scholarships from the NIPSCO/Carolyn Mosby scholarship program at the Indiana Black Expo’s annual corporate luncheon held today in Indianapolis. The students are Ronald Gordon – Gary Roosevelt High School; Ronnie Lyons – Gary Roosevelt High School; Jodi Suggs – Merrillville High School; Deonaca Welford – Lew Wallace High School; and Christopher Yarborough – Calumet College (renewable scholarship).

Senator Carolyn Mosby was the first African-American clerical employee hired by NIPSCO in 1952. After several years with NIPSCO, she began working in public service, first as a state representative and later as a state senator.

The NIPSCO/Carolyn Mosby Scholarship was established seven years ago, after Senator Mosby’s untimely death.

“I am truly excited for the chance to recognize these five young scholars and to help them achieve their goals,” said NIPSCO President Mark Maassel. “Carolyn Mosby set a great example for everyone in building a career, giving back to the community, and serving her state. We are pleased to support young students following in her path.”

Since its inception, 24 northwest Indiana students have received more than $30,000 through the NIPSCO/Carolyn Mosby Scholarship program.

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.