By NICK MEYER
NIPSCO Communications

MERRIVILLE — Electric service has been affected by a combination of freezing rain, low temperatures and high winds throughout the day. More than 10,000 NIPSCO customers scattered across northern Indiana are affected.

Mainly, weather conditions have resulted in downed power lines being weighed down by ice and slick roadways causing vehicles to slide into electric poles.

Crews are working to restore power to existing customers and responding to new outages as the number of affected customers has risen throughout the morning.

Reporting a power outage

If you lose power, there are a number of options for customers to report their outage.

• Text: Text “Out” to 444111 (text messaging and data rates may apply depending on your mobile plan and carrier)
• Online: NIPSCO.com
• Mobile device: m.nipsco.com
• Phone: (800) 464-7726

Staying informed during an outage

During major power outage events, NIPSCO will continue to provide updates regarding the current number of customers affected, where outages are located and when power is expected to be restored, using the following channels:

• NIPSCO alerts — Allows customers to sign up and receive power outage updates, including estimated restoration time via text, email, or automated phone message. Go to nipsco.com/alerts or call (800) 464-7726 to sign up.
• NIPSCO.com/outagecenter — Find a real-time outage map, current power outage status and estimated restoration times.
• m.nipsco.com — View the same outage map and details on nipsco.com from your mobile device.
• Facebook.com/NIPSCO or Twitter.com/NIPSCO — Follow NIPSCO’s restoration progress through popular social media channels.

The public is also reminded to always avoid downed power lines, damaged poles or other hazardous situations. Every downed wire should be treated as if it is a live wire.

Additional tips on saying safe during a power outage can be found at NIPSCO.com.