NIPSCO Power Outage Response in Gary

Angry reactions on social media followed an online NIPSCO power restoration timeline that left Gary out. In response, Mayor Eddie Melton held a press conference on Wednesday. Since the August 11 storm, thousands in Gary and across Northwest Indiana have faced nine days without electricity. Initially, 301,000 NIPSCO customers lost power. By Thursday at 11 a.m., 64,017 customers were still without power, including 25,560 in Gary.

At the press conference, Melody Birmingham, president of the Utilities Group at NiSource, addressed queries about the restoration. NiSource is NIPSCO’s parent company. A Tuesday restoration estimate was provided. As neighboring cities see power restoration and schools reopening, some parts of Gary have power. For instance, the 21st Century Charter School opened its doors.

We learned from COVID that being open is best for students. The families really appreciated us being open, Kevin Teasley, president and founder of the GEO Foundation that operates the school, said.

However, Gary Community School Corporation schools without power remain closed. Melton assured residents that Gary has not been forgotten.

I want to be clear. Gary has not been left behind. We have support. We have had linemen working every single day throughout this entire storm, Melton stated.

Birmingham explained that the storm generated 99 mph winds, causing extensive damage in Gary, with trees falling on poles, power lines, streets, and homes. The complexity of the damage means the repairs are more challenging.

The damage that affected portions of Gary are among the most extensive and complex that our crews have encountered. These aren’t simple repairs. These are systems that are being rebuilt, she said.

NIPSCO’s restoration efforts are ongoing, and they understand the frustration of residents who see progress in other areas while Gary waits. Birmingham noted about 17,000 Gary homes have power back. She emphasized the seriousness of the issue for residents.

They’re losing food, homes are getting warmer. They’re worried about loved ones and had to make hard choices to get through the day. This isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a real burden, and I do not minimize that fact, Birmingham acknowledged.

Before starting repairs, crews conducted a damage assessment covering 2,000 miles on foot. They identified several damaged utility and transmission poles requiring repairs or replacement. In addition, 27 substation source outages needed attention.

Birmingham mentioned a shooting incident targeting NIPSCO workers in the 200 block of Rutledge Street. While alarming, the situation did not delay the restoration efforts. Deputy Police Chief Brian Evans described it as isolated, and no injuries were reported.

Following the press conference, Birmingham and city officials met with local clergy. They held a ‘Prayer for Gary’ vigil, organized by City on the Hill Pastor Antoine Goffin. The clergy aimed to seek answers and promote communication from NIPSCO to reduce social media complaints.

We learned the restoration was not based on socio-economic class. It was based on infrastructure, Goffin explained.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.