As electric and gas needs continue to rise, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) is doing everything it can to be ahead of the curve. In fact, the region's leading energy provider is stepping up its commitment to reliable and safe energy with significant investments planned for 2024.
NIPSCO recently announced investment projects totaling up to $2.1 billion for both gas and electric systems. Looking ahead, this ongoing modernization plan was originally launched in 2014 to ensure long-term service reliability for NIPSCO’s nearly 1.4 million customers across 30 Indiana counties.
"These investments are about ensuring the continued strength of our systems," said Vince Parisi, NIPSCO president and chief operating officer.
For NIPSCO, proactive work today means decades of reliability to come.
"Just like roads and bridges, our energy infrastructure needs regular maintenance and upgrades,” said Parisi. “By being proactive, we're guaranteeing safe and reliable energy for families and businesses while also supporting future growth."
Preparing for the future is not just good for NIPSCO. It provides long-term benefits to the customer as well.
"Preventative measures and regular maintenance are key to long-term cost savings for our customers," Parisi added. "This commitment translates to a thriving and sustainable community."
In addition to long-term savings, these planned projects will also create jobs and boost the local economy. NIPSCO projects that hundreds of positions will be available for local tradespeople involved in construction and installation. Additionally, having a state-of-the-art system will attract new businesses and developments.
"We actively collaborate with Indiana and Chicagoland labor unions to complete large-scale projects," said Parisi. "These partnerships create hundreds of jobs, strengthening the local economy and improving the quality of life for Hoosiers."
Current project plans span both Lake and Porter Counties. These include replacing over 1,000 wooden utility poles, installing nearly 100 miles of new electric distribution lines, and building new electric substations and communication towers.
Current planned projects will also include top-of-the-line safety measures as well.
"Our top priority is maintaining a safe and reliable supply of natural gas for our customers and employees," said Parisi.
These enhancements are crucial for meeting current demands and preparing for future needs.
"By strategically modernizing and maintaining our systems, we're keeping long-term cost savings for our customers in mind,” said Parisi.
NIPSCO’s larger projects are planned to build upon technological advancements already in place.
NIPSCO is already using Automated Distribution (DA) electrical switching to restore power faster. DA uses advanced technology to improve reliability.
Additionally, NIPSCO regularly checks gas pipelines with magnetic and digital tools to make sure they're safe. These inspections include SMART meter monitoring for quicker problem detection and resolution, reducing power outages.
With all these improvements, NIPSCO is ready to keep up with what Northwest Indiana customers need and to help Northern Indiana thrive for years to come.
To learn more about NIPSCO, please visit nipsco.com.