Gary Residents Endure Extended Power Outage

Since August 11, 65-year-old Yolanda Ojeda of Gary has been without power. Though she owns a generator, it failed when she needed it most. ‘It wouldn’t start,’ she explained after having carried it up her stairs. Ojeda works long hours at Cleveland-Cliffs in East Chicago, returning home to darkness each night. ‘I can’t navigate at night without streetlights,’ she said, highlighting the difficulty in driving cautiously amid downed power lines.

Gary residents have faced power outages since August 11, with no clear restoration timeline. The city’s power provider, NIPSCO, has not yet included Gary in specific restoration projections. Similar experiences persist in nearby towns like Hammond and East Chicago. NIPSCO’s updates acknowledge areas not listed might be part of larger assessments.

Gary Mayor Eddie Melton addressed the situation, stating, ‘I know these have been difficult and uncertain days for many across our city, and you are not facing this alone.’ He affirmed the city’s commitment to support residents and aid recovery efforts.

As of Tuesday afternoon, about 26,836 Gary residents remained without power. Ojeda has yet to see repairs on a downed power line caused by a neighbor’s fallen tree. Despite this, she maintains a positive outlook, expressing gratitude for her safety and home. ‘I feel blessed that I’m alive and able to make it to work. I’m aware others are in worse situations,’ she stated.

Across NIPSCO’s service area, 95,161 residents are still without power. NIPSCO has mobilized resources, including aid personnel and support from the Indiana National Guard. The utility recognizes the issue’s severity, emphasizing that restoration depends on the extent of damage.

Ollicia England, 43, another Gary resident, shared her challenges living without power. Her aunt, relying on medical equipment, prompted them to buy generators. ‘It’s hard for the older adults here,’ England remarked, noting the difficulties faced by those with health conditions.

Moses Kearney, a resident, invested in a generator due to similar hardships, incurring additional expenses for fuel and food. He expressed frustration over perceived disparities in restoration efforts compared to other areas like Rensselaer.

Derek Zugic mentioned his family’s experiences with power loss at multiple properties. Despite preparedness with generators, the situation remains challenging. Zugic praised linemen working in the area but pointed to past maintenance issues that could have prevented the current predicament.

The Calumet Township Trustee’s Office exhausted its emergency resources, aiding 773 residents. Despite efforts, assistance remains limited by funding constraints. The office encourages residents to contact state representatives for further support. The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana continues to provide aid, planning multiple mobile market events to address urgent needs.