30 Facts About NIPSCO

History of NIPSCO

NIPSCO, short for Northern Indiana Public Service Company, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. Let's explore some key milestones in its journey.

1. NIPSCO traces its origins to the mid-19th century when the utility industry in northern Indiana was still in its infancy.
2. The Fort Wayne Gas Light Company, a predecessor of NIPSCO, was established in 1853.
3. Thomas A. Edison, who later became a prominent figure in the development of electric lighting, was a frequent visitor to the plant during his time as a telegrapher in the area.
4. The South Bend Gas Light Company, another important predecessor, was organized in 1868 by the Studebaker brothers.
5. NIPSCO was incorporated in 1912 as Calumet Electric Company.
6. The company has undergone several name changes over the years, eventually becoming Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO).

Expansion and Growth

NIPSCO has grown significantly over the years, expanding its services and customer base. Here are some notable facts about its expansion.

7. NIPSCO serves a vast area across northern Indiana, covering 32 counties.
8. The company provides both gas and electric services to its customers.
9. NIPSCO's service territory includes major industrial regions such as Fort Wayne, Gary, Hammond, Kokomo, and South Bend.
10. As of 2024, NIPSCO serves over 483,000 electric customers and 859,000 natural gas customers.
11. NIPSCO is the largest natural gas distribution company and the second-largest electric distribution company in Indiana.

Headquarters and Workforce

NIPSCO's headquarters and its dedicated workforce play a crucial role in its operations.

12. NIPSCO is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana.
13. The company is part of the NiSource family, which provides essential natural gas and electric services to over 4 million customers across six energy delivery companies.
14. NIPSCO employs nearly 2,900 highly trained individuals.
15. NiSource, NIPSCO's parent company, is ranked as the highest utility on Forbes magazine's list of America’s Best Large Employers.

Community Involvement

NIPSCO is deeply committed to the communities it serves. Let's look at how the company gives back.

16. NIPSCO has been part of the communities it serves since 1912.
17. The company is committed to enhancing the quality of life in its communities through partnerships, volunteering, charitable giving, and economic development.
18. NIPSCO provides bill payment assistance to those who need it most.

Environmental Responsibility

NIPSCO takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. Here are some of its key initiatives.

19. Providing service in an environmentally responsible manner is a core value for NIPSCO.
20. The company invests in cleaner air and water quality, reduces carbon emissions, supports renewable energy, and funds land restoration projects.
21. NIPSCO designs programs to help customers reduce their environmental impact, including Energy Efficiency Incentives, Green Power, and customer-owned electric generation from renewables.

Renewable Energy and Carbon Emissions

NIPSCO is making significant strides in renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

22. NIPSCO owns and operates two hydroelectric plants in northern Indiana.
23. The company continues to make progress on its 14 previously announced renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and solar plus battery resources.
24. NIPSCO aims to reduce carbon emissions by 90% from a 2005 baseline by 2030.

Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)

NIPSCO's Integrated Resource Plan outlines its long-term strategy for serving customers' energy needs.

25. NIPSCO participates in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process, which involves evaluating and outlining how electric utilities plan to serve customers' energy needs in the future.
26. The IRP process includes soliciting requests for proposals (RFPs) to gather data on various technologies and understand the landscape of actionable projects.

Public Engagement and Regulatory Compliance

NIPSCO engages with the public and complies with regulatory requirements to ensure transparent operations.

27. NIPSCO engages with customers, consumer representatives, environmental organizations, regulators, and other stakeholders through public meetings.
28. The company is regulated by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Customer Support and Assistance

NIPSCO offers various forms of support and assistance to its customers.

29. NIPSCO provides various forms of customer support and assistance, including bill payment assistance for low-income households.
30. The company offers energy efficiency incentives and green power options, helping customers reduce their environmental impact and lower their bills.

NIPSCO's Commitment to Indiana

NIPSCO has been a cornerstone in northern Indiana's energy landscape since the 19th century. Serving over 1.2 million customers, the company provides reliable gas and electric services across 32 counties. With a strong focus on renewable energy, NIPSCO aims to cut carbon emissions by 90% by 2030. The company invests in wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects while planning to retire older coal-fired units. NIPSCO also supports the community through bill payment assistance and energy efficiency programs. Despite recent rate hike proposals, the company continues to prioritize sustainability and customer satisfaction. Public meetings and stakeholder engagement ensure transparency and community involvement in major projects like ash pond closures. NIPSCO's dedication to environmental responsibility and community support makes it a leader in the utility industry, committed to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Indiana.