NIPSCO reinvests $660 million into energy system upgrades in 2019

Contributed By:The 411 News

NIPSCO will be continuing its work to upgrade the electric and gas infrastructure across northern Indiana with nearly $660 million in planned investments this year, said a statement from Nick Meyer, NIPSCO’s Director of External Communications.

Vast portions of the nation’s infrastructure system – including NIPSCO’s – were built in the post-World War II era. After more than 60 years, those systems are nearing the limits of their original design, and NIPSCO’s plan proactively addresses these critical areas before they become problematic.

Among the types of upgrades planned in 2019, NIPSCO will replace and upgrade 1,776 wooden utility poles and 86 miles of overhead electrical transmission lines.

Replacements and upgrades are scheduled for 162,000 feet of underground electrical cable lines, 18 power transformers and 98 circuit breakers.

Long-lasting and energy-efficient LED lights will replace 7,393 existing streetlights.

Ten miles of natural gas pipeline and natural gas regulator stations will be replaced and upgraded.

The utility is continuing its program to expand natural gas in-line inspection technology and system capabilities.

Reinvestment is part of NIPSCO’s overall ongoing modernization plan to ensure long-term safety and reliability for customers, said Violet Sistovaris, NIPSCO president.

“Energy is essential to the daily lives and businesses across the communities we serve, and our customers’ future depends on having a safe, reliable and sustainable infrastructure,” Sistovaris said. “We’re being proactive and planning for the future by upgrading and replacing critical parts of our infrastructure to ensure a modern system for our growing communities.”

Meyer added, “These modernization projects will identify and eliminate system failures, provide direct and indirect economic benefits, and support new business expansion across the state.”

Story Posted:03/10/2019