Gov. Braun calls for investigation into NIPSCO following widespread, prolonged power outages

Governor Mike Braun directed the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) to file a complaint and petition the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to launch an investigation into NIPSCO following widespread and prolonged power outages in Northwest Indiana caused by severe weather that began on Aug. 11.

The governor is calling for a thorough review of NIPSCO’s preparation for and response to recent power outages caused by severe weather, including whether the utility adequately maintained vegetation and cleared rights-of-way to protect its infrastructure and whether funding approved by state regulators for infrastructure and reliability improvements was spent as promised.

“NIPSCO is a monopoly utility that Hoosiers pay every month with the expectation that it will use its considerable resources to maintain its system, prepare for severe weather and restore service as quickly as possible when disaster strikes. NIPSCO has failed to keep its end of the bargain," said Gov. Braun. "I’m directing the OUCC to file a complaint and petition the IURC to launch an investigation so we can determine whether NIPSCO did what it promised ratepayers and regulators it would do with the money it was given. Hoosiers deserve accountability.”

This action comes as some 10,000 Hoosiers remain without power in Northwest Indiana nearly two weeks after severe weather struck the area. The Governor directed state agencies to take extraordinary steps to support power restoration efforts, including clearing roads, alleyways and other debris to clear a path for utility crews. 

The governor emphasized that the crews on the ground, representing both state agencies and utility workers, have done an extraordinary job. However, NIPSCO management has failed to deliver adequate solutions.

The requested investigation will examine NIPSCO’s vegetation management and right-of-way maintenance practices and review whether funds authorized through IURC-approved trackers were used for their intended purposes.

The OUCC represents the interests of Indiana utility consumers in proceedings before the IURC. The IURC regulates Indiana’s investor-owned utilities and has authority over utility rates, charges and service.