NIPSCO Extends Option for Customers to “Go Green”

rot1Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) today announced that its Green Power Rate pilot program, which launched in May 2012, has been approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission as a long term program.

The Green Power Rate program allows residential, commercial and industrial electric customers to designate 25, 50 or 100 percent of their monthly electric usage to be attributed to renewable energy sources. Commercial and industrial participants also have the flexibility to designate five or ten percent of their monthly usage.

Customers who enroll in the Green Power Program will pay a monthly premium in addition to NIPSCO’s standard electric rate—approximately $2 per month for the average home. The added costs are passed through directly to participating customers with no mark up or financial return for NIPSCO.

“We’re pleased to be able to extend this program beyond its original pilot for our customers,” said Kathleen O’Leary NIPSCO president. “It’s a great option for those who want to ‘go green’ without the expense of installing renewable technology on their homes or businesses.”

To ensure the electricity used can be attributed to renewable energy, NIPSCO purchases Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). RECs are the environmental attributes that are derived when electricity is generated from renewable and/or environmentally friendly sources.

These RECs are certified through Green-e Energy, a recognized national organization that ensures RECs are created from the proper sources and are properly claimed.

NIPSCO will target its green power purchases through this program to come from Indiana and/or Midwestern resources.

Currently there are about 940 homes and businesses enrolled in NIPSCO’s Green Power Program.

"It's a great program,” said Heather Pritchard, office manager of Save the Dunes. “Being a green organization, it's great to know that our energy is coming from green sources. We hope to bring more awareness to the program, and have our community members jump on board as well. It feels good to know that you're doing your part in saving the planet.”

The NIPSCO green power rate is subject to change depending upon the source of renewable energy certificates and number of participants in the program, and may be adjusted twice each year through filings with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Visit NIPSCO.com/Green for the most current rate information.

Customers who participate will also have the option to opt out of the program at any time. Additionally, those who do not wish to participate are not responsible for sharing any costs associated with the program.

For more information on the program, and to see what else NIPSCO is doing to protect the environment, visit NIPSCO.com/Environment.

Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has served the energy needs of Northern Indiana since 1912. Headquartered in Merrillville, NIPSCO is one of the seven energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc (NYSE: NI). With more than 821,000 natural gas customers and 468,000 electric customers, NIPSCO is the largest natural gas distribution company, and the second largest electric distribution company, in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers primarily in seven states. More information about NIPSCO is available at www.NIPSCO.com.