A transmission outage at two Kankakee Valley REMC substations in Starke County has thousands of customers in the dark. Spokeswoman Amanda Steeb says a combination of ice and wind this morning has caused numerous broken poles and downed power lines. She reminds everyone to stay clear of downed lines and to treat them as though they are energized. No restoration time is available. More than 3,100 members are without power. Continue reading
Utility Provider Now Offering Text Alerts During Power Outages
NIPSCO Officials Update Commissioners on Transmission Line Project
Site clearing work is under way for construction of NIPSCO’s 100-mile, $270 million above-ground electrical transmission line. It will connect the power company’s three major transmission substations in Reynolds, Burr Oak and Topeka as required by the grid operator for the Midwest region. NIPSCO officials say the new transmission line will enhance system reliability, offer environmental benefits by increasing access to wind and solar energy and allow for greater access to supplies of electricity including improved access to lower cost electricity for customers. Continue reading
NIPSCO Warns Customers of Scam
NIPSCO is warning customers of a telephone scam, which began targeting customers over the weekend. Continue reading
County Commissioners to Discuss NIPSCO Project
The Starke County Commissioners will meet earlier than usual this evening to discuss a utility project that is coming through the county. They’ve called a special session for 5:30 p.m. in advance of their regular 6 p.m. meeting to talk about NIPSCO’s Reynolds-Topeka transmission line project. Continue reading
NIPSCO Proposes Electric Increase, OUCC Plans Public Input
Site Along U.S. 35 Used as Middle Point in Transmission Line Project
A site near the Astoria Inn in Knox is being used as a middle ground, of sorts, in preparation for the Reynolds-Topeka Transmission Line.
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Winter Energy Assistance Programs Now Open
Applications for Winter Heating Assistance began last week, and NIPSCO says it’s partnering with various agencies around the state to bring the reduced energy costs to families in need.
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IDEM Seeking Comments on Transmission Project Alteration
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is asking for the public’s input on a proposed change to a major infrastructure project.
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NIPSCO Forecasts Lower Winter Heating Bills
NIPSCO natural gas customers can expect lower heating bills this winter, according to information from the utility company. Officials cite a combination of current market projections and the assumption of normal winter weather as factors in their projection of a 30-percent reduction over last year’s residential heating costs. Continue reading
NIPSCO Proposes Rate Increase
NIPSCO customers may see an increase in their electric bills next year. The utility company has submitted a request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to raise base rates. Continue reading
West Central Pleased With Wind Turbine Investment
The wind turbine on the West Central Schools campus has proven to be a sound investment for the corporation. Superintendent Don Street says it conserves energy and helps keep electric bills in check. He says June, July and August are traditionally slow months in terms of wind production. It picks up in September through the winter months, though. West Central is on net metering through NIPSCO, which allows the corporation to build up credits during heavy wind months and use them during slower months. Continue reading
NIPSCO Reminds Customers to Call Before Digging
NIPSCO reminds anyone with outdoor plans that involve digging to call 811 before doing so. Officials say digging into underground lines is the biggest risk to NIPSCO’s gas system and the leading cause of damage. So-called “blind digging” damages an underground utility line every six minutes, according to Common Ground Alliance. Striking an underground line can harm you and others, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Continue reading
NIPSCO Introduces Power Outage Alerts for Customers
NIPSCO customers can get information about power outages in the palms of their hands by signing up for NIPSCO Alerts. Information about estimated restoration time will be sent via text, email or automated telephone message. The utility does not charge for the service, but individual wireless carriers may charge for text and data usage. Customers with an online account can visit NIPSCO.com/Alerts or call 1-800-4NIPSCO (1-800-464-7726) to sign up. Continue reading
Ivy Tech’s Society of Innovators Launches Expedition Innovation 2015: “A Call for Nominations”
An effort is under way to find the “hidden innovators” of Northwest Indiana. The Ivy Tech Community College Society of Innovators recently announced its seven-county “Expedition Innovation 2015 – ‘A Call for Nominations.’ Between June 2nd and 17th officials with the society will visit each of the seven counties in the region to explain their goals in greater detail. They will be at Kemin Industries in rural North Judson on June 10th and at the Pulaski County CDC/Economic Development office in Winamac the following day.
NIPSCO Director of Economic Development Don Babcock serves on the Society of Innovators board. He says innovation is the foundation of our economy. He adds there are innovators out there who are below the radar that are making important contributions to our region, state and world. He says the Society of Innovators wants to find them. Continue reading
North Judson Town Council Sets Up Revolving Loan Fund
North Judson will still have a grocery store thanks to quick action by the town council. Heartland Markets has signed a letter of intent to buy Ray’s Super Foods on Lane Street. Company officials also asked the town if they could offer any incentives. North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry recently spoke with representatives from the State Board of Accounts, who suggested they could set up a revolving loan fund for economic development projects. Continue reading
Utility Provider Encourages Marking Service Lines Prior to Spring Work
A local utility provider is encouraging safety before individuals or businesses begin any spring and summer excavation projects.
NIPSCO says April marks National Safe Digging Month and is encouraging residents to call the national “call-before-you-dig” number 8-1-1 two days prior to starting work. The 48 hour suggestion allows work crews to properly mark utility lines to avoid problems.
Mayor Gives Update on Monday Power Outage
The power issue in downtown Knox on Monday morning affected 700 homes and businesses.
Knox Mayor Rick Chambers informed the council members last night that City Hall was shut down for the day until repairs were made, and MPI had to close production for the day due to lack of power.
The driver of a garbage hauler dropped off the large recycling bins at City Hall and failed to lower the rack on the truck. That rack caught the telephone lines as he was pulling away from the parking lot and snapped the pole in half. The lines were attached to City Hall.
Statewide Winter Moratorium Ends, Utility Payment Assistance Still Available
The state-mandated moratorium on utility service disconnection during the winter months is over. However, several forms of payment assistance are still available for low-income families who need help paying their heating bills. These include assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Program. It is available to households that fall within 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines and is administered through local community action agencies. LIHEAP-eligible NIPSCO customers may also qualify for additional discounts through the NIPSCO Customer Assistance for Residential Energy, or CARE, program. Applications are made at the same time as those for LIHEAP assistance. Continue reading
Various Assistance Options Available for NIPSCO Customers
NIPSCO customers who are struggling to pay their utility bills are urged to contact the company’s 24-hour Customer Care Center to explore their options. They include state and federal payment assistance as well as resources available from local community action agencies. All three are based on income. Continue reading