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NIPSCO faces scrutiny and potential rate hikes following prolonged power outages in Gary, Indiana

Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) is facing scrutiny from residents and regulators after a summer derecho left tens of thousands of people in Gary, Indiana, without power for nearly two weeks. While the utility reported that most of the 370,000 affected customers have had their service restored, the prolonged outage has sparked a lawsuit alleging NIPSCO neglected to trim trees and vegetation along its power lines. State Rep. Randy Novack and Governor Mike Braun have called for investigations into the utility's preparation and response. Meanwhile, NIPSCO has filed for three rate adjustments, which could cost consumers approximately $7.33 per month. The utility defended its filings as routine, noting they recover fuel and transmission costs while providing credits for renewable energy. Experts noted that the poor are most vulnerable to these outages, as Gary has a poverty rate of 29%. Residents like Kimya Williams and Allison Looney described the stress of living without power for 13 days, highlighting the need for better infrastructure and reliable backup power systems.

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