NIPSCO Customers Report Scam
In this latest scam, the “NIPSCO representative” will threaten disconnection of the customer’s electric service if an immediate payment is not made in order to settle an overdue balance. The scammer directs the victim to purchase a prepaid debit card, specifically a “Green Dot Debit Card” and call back with a receipt and PIN. This allows the scammer to access the card’s funds.
Final Route Determined for NIPSCO Reynolds Topeka Line
NIPSCO has determined a final route for the Reynolds Topeka Line – a 100-mile electric transmission line running from Reynolds to Burr Oak to Topeka – after analyzing the impact that several proposed routes would have had on homes, farms, irrigation systems, terrain, and environmentally and culturally sensitive areas. Kathleen Szot, external communications manager for NIPSCO, explained that the public open houses held in February and July proved to be extremely useful in helping determine a route that would cause the least amount of disruption.
NIPSCO Electric Customers May Soon See One Percent Increase in Cost
Szot said this includes studying their poles, lines, transmission towers and underground systems to find any equipment that might need replaced.
Turnout Excellent at NIPSCO Open House Held in Winamac
Kathleen Szot, communications manager for NIPSCO, explained that the open houses have been very beneficial.
NIPSCO Reports Theft of Copper Wire
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of between 8,000 and 9,000 feet of copper wire from the NIPSCO Burr Oak Substation on 15th Road. NIPSCO officials discovered the thefts Friday morning and believe the copper wire was stolen sometime between Tuesday, July 16 and Friday morning. Anyone with information is asked to call the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at 574- 936-3187.
NIPSCO to Hold Open House in Winamac for Reynolds-Topeka Line
NIPSCO has announced that their Reynolds-Topeka Electric System Improvement Project is now in its Routing Phase as they focus on developing a set of potential routes to take to the public and local communities to allow them to get input for the final route selection. Kathleen Szot, spokesperson for NIPSCO, explained the business was approached by a planning group requesting help.
“NIPSCO has been asked by a regional transmission planner group that oversees the whole Midwest area to help construct a project between Reynolds and Topeka, so running through north central Indiana,” said Szot.
NIPSCO Reports Significant Storm-Related Power Outages
Utility crews worked through the night to restore power after a line of strong thunderstorms moved through the area last evening. NIPSCO reports 82,000 customers were affected, and more than 45,000 are still without power. These outages are primarily due to broken utility poles, downed electrical wire and other related storm damage as a result of heavy wind and tree damage. Dispatchers in Starke County report a number of trees and power lines down as a result of the storm and say clearing efforts are still under way. Please be mindful of that as you travel this morning.
Copper Wire Stolen from NIPSCO Truck in LaPorte; Investigation Underway
Police are encouraging anyone with information regarding this crime or any other suspicious activity to contact the LaPorte Police Department at (219) 362-9446, or visit http://www.lpcitypd.com to submit a tip. You can remain anonymous while providing this vital information, doing your part to make the community safer. Please be as specific as you can and provide as many details as possible about the activity you are reporting.
NIPSCO Gives Knox Elementary OK To Return To Class
NIPSCO just gave Knox the all-clear regarding the gas main break. Knox Elementary School students are returning to their classrooms and will be dismissed at the normal time from Knox Elementary this afternoon. They were evacuated to the middle and high schools after a construction crew at the Henry F. Schricker Public Library hit a gas line. The library remains closed, and the Starke County Youth Club will not be meeting there this afternoon.
Library Work Crew Hits Gas Main, Knox Elementary School Evacuated
Knox Elementary School has been evacuated after a construction crew at the Henry F. Schricker Public Library struck a gas main. Knox Superintendent A.J. Gappa says students at the elementary school have been moved to other facilities. Students in grades kindergarten, 1 and 2 are at the high school, while students in grades 3, 4 and 5 are at the middle school. Gappa stresses the school was evacuated as a precautionary measure and says he will advise parents as to student pickup arrangements by the end of the day. The Starke County Public Library Henry F. Schricker branch is also closed as a result of the gas main break.
Play it Safe, Call Before You Dig
It’s the time of year when you start to think about springtime yard projects.
NIPSCO urges you to call 811 before you continue with an outdoor project that requires digging. Call that number two working days before the start of a project to make sure no gas lines are located underneath the area in which you plan on digging.
State Moratorium on Heating Bills Lifted
The state’s winter moratorium ended Friday for customers enrolled in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. NIPSCO will continue to offer assistance programs, payment arrangements and energy efficiency programs to help customers pay their bills.
The moratorium requires Indiana natural gas providers to keep service to all customers in the program who may be behind on their bills.
Marshall County Commissioners Approve Request for GIS Data
The Marshall County Commissioners have approved a request by NIPSCO to acquire information needed for a 100-mile power transmission from Burr Oak to Topeka.
The representatives had asked for the names and address information for communications purposes in moving forward with the project. They reiterated that they want to keep the public informed about the project and how it will affect them in the construction process.
Suspected Gas Leak Reported at Country Acre Mobile Home Park in Hamlet
A suspected gas leak has been reported at the Country Acre Mobile Home Park in Hamlet.
NIPSCO and the Hamlet Police Department arrived at the scene and after a preliminary investigation, it was found that some unknown person went into a mobile home and turned on the gas. It filled the home and the area was evacuated for the resident’s safety.
Knox High School Closes Due to Electrical Issues
Knox High School is experiencing electrical issues. Students with permission from parents are being dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Students who do not have permission to leave will be at the middle school until school is dismissed for the day. Elementary and Middle School students will be dismissed at the end of the regular school day.
NIPSCO will be shutting off the electricity at the high school this afternoon in order to make necessary repairs.
Saturday night’s dance in the Knox High School Cafeteria has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
Knox High School to Benefit from Energy Upgrades
The Knox Community High School recently entered into an agreement with NIPSCO to conduct an energy audit.
On Feb. 25, representatives with NIPSCO will arrive at the high school to evaluate the electrical needs at the high school and assess what can be improved in terms of energy efficiency. As part of the Energizing Indiana initiative, any improvements to be made,will not cost the school any money. The school could benefit up to approximately $13,000 in improvements.
A Move to NIPSCO Paperless Billing Could Save Lives
Going green could help save lives.
NIPSCO will donate $10 to Red Cross chapters across the state for every customer who enrolls in the company’s paperless billing service between now and March 31.
NIPSCO to Install a New Meter Reading System
NIPSCO will be upgrading the way it reads natural gas and electric meters.
The company is installing an Automated Meter Reading System which will allow employees to gather monthly readings through a receiver mounted in a NIPSCO vehicle. This eliminates the need for employees going door to door to read more than 900,000 meters a month. It also takes out obstacles the employees face that include inclement weather, dog bites and tripping hazards.
NIPSCO Announces Green Power Program
NIPSCO has announced the launch of a pilot program designed to allow customers to designate a portion of their monthly electric usage to be generated by renewable energy sources. The Green Power Program is a voluntary program available to all NIPSCO electric customers, allowing them to designate 25, 50, or 100 percent of their electric usage per month, as well as the options of five or 10 percent for commercial or industrial customers.
