MERRILLVILLE — NIPSCO crews continue to work through icy, windy conditions to restore power to approximately 29,000 customers across northern Indiana currently without power as a result of Monday’s winter storm. A current list of affected communities can be found on NIPSCO’s online power outage map.

The combination of ice and wind has created substantial, widespread damage to the electric system – bringing down power lines and snapping electric poles. Often, these conditions can be more damaging than a major storm in the summer.

Crews will continue to work around-the-clock to assess and repair the damage, but nightfall and difficult road conditions will present overnight challenges. Additional support crews have been requested to assist NIPSCO in the restoration efforts.

Some customers will be restored yet tonight, but a majority of the customers still without power after late this evening will likely extend into Tuesday or longer. Better restoration estimates are expected to be available Tuesday afternoon.

NIPSCO continues to monitor forecasted weather, as the expected high winds could cause additional outages.

We understand that any service outage is an inconvenience. We thank you for your patience and understanding during the restoration efforts.

As in any storm event, the safety of the public as well as those working on the lines is our top priority. For your safety, please stay away from any downed power lines and power restoration crews working in your area.

Restoration Process
NIPSCO’s restoration process begins with repairing large transmission and distribution lines that supply electricity to large numbers of customers in large geographic areas – including critical customers such as hospitals and emergency response. Repairs to other lines that serve smaller groups of customers can’t be made until the larger lines feeding electricity to those areas are repaired.

When crews work on damaged trees during storms, they focus on repairs that are critical to our facilities and to restoring power and do not clean up or remove branches and debris that may be left behind. Contact your local municipal officials for more information on storm debris disposal.

Customers can receive regular updates on current number of customers affected, where outages are located and when power is expected to be restored, by visiting the NIPSCO.com/OutageCenter, via your mobile device at m.nipsco.com, and via social media with Facebook or Twitter.