MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – A severe storm system on June 11 brought heavy rain, lightning, damaging winds and multiple tornadoes across portions of NIPSCO’s service territory, resulting in extensive damage and power outages.
All available NIPSCO crews and additional resources responded immediately following the storm and began assessing damage and initiating restoration efforts as soon as it was safe to do so. At this time, crews are continuing to assess extensive damage in impacted areas, which is the critical first step in determining what repairs are needed and how long restoration will take.
A storm on Wednesday, June 10, caused approximately 21,500 customer outages prior to the start of Thursday’s severe weather. Following the June 11 storm activity, NIPSCO is currently aware of approximately 61,900 customers without power at the time of this release (11 a.m. CT), with 18% of the approximately 86,640 total impacted customers restored thus far.
Damage reports from the field include multiple downed poles and wires, broken cross arms and other system damage, as well as downed trees and vegetation debris surrounding damaged equipment, underscoring the severity of the storm’s impact. Because crews are still actively assessing this damage, estimated times of restoration both globally and by community, are not yet available. NIPSCO crews are working as safely and quickly as possible to restore power to those impacted.
Restoration Process
Following a thorough damage assessment, restoration begins with repairing the largest and most critical infrastructure, including transmission and distribution lines that serve the greatest number of customers and critical facilities such as hospitals and emergency services. Repairs then move to smaller lines and individual service connections.
Because of this process, some customers may see power restored sooner than others, even within the same community.
What Customers Should Expect
While damage assessment and restoration efforts are underway, some customers in the hardest-hit areas should be prepared for the possibility of multi-day outages due to the extent of damage. NIPSCO encourages customers to make arrangements now to keep themselves and their families safe.
Safety First – Stay Away from Downed Power Lines
Customer safety remains the top priority. Anyone encountering a downed power line, damaged pole or hazardous condition should assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay far away and report it immediately.
Please Report Your Outage
If you are experiencing an outage, please report it by:
- Texting OUT to 444111
- Visiting NIPSCO.com/outages
- Using the NIPSCO mobile app (Apple App Store or Google Play)
Our thoughts are with those impacted by yesterday’s severe weather. NIPSCO understands that any service outage is an inconvenience, and thanks customers for their patience and understanding during the assessment and restoration efforts.
For more information and updates posted throughout the day, please visit NIPSCO.com/Outages.
