NIPSCO power outage: Hours,start service,stock

Utilities like NIPSCO play a critical role in keeping electricity flowing to homes and businesses in Northern Indiana. When outages occur, the impacts can ripple across safety, comfort, business productivity and financial metrics. In this article we dig into:

• How NIPSCO handles outages: hours, start of service, restoration process

• What customers should expect and do during an outage

• The broader business context: the parent company – NiSource Inc. – its stock, strategy and regulatory backdrop

• What this outage context may mean for customers, the company and investors

The Outage: What Happened and How NIPSCO Responds

Reporting & Tracking an Outage

When a customer of NIPSCO experiences a power outage, the utility has a number of channels to report the problem:

• Online via the NIPSCO website outage page

• Text: NIPSCO allows customers to text the word “OUT” to 444111 to report a power outage

• Phone: 1‑800‑4NIPSCO (1‑800‑464‑7726) for electric emergencies/outages, 24 hrs a day

The ability to track current outages is also provided via an interactive map on their “Storm Centre / Power Outages” page, showing the number of customers affected, the region, and often an estimated restoration time.

Typical Hours & Start of Service

When referring to “hours, start service” in an outage context, we look at how quickly service can be restored once an outage is reported, and how NIPSCO phases the work. According to NIPSCO’s restoration process:

• Step 1: Repair high voltage transmission lines and substations; these feed the largest number of customers

• Step 2: Restore power to critical facilities (hospitals, police/fire stations, water lift stations, communications)

• Step 3: Repair major distribution lines feeding neighborhoods or large blocks of customers

• Step 4: Finally, restore power to smaller lines, individual customers or less‑dense regions

Because of this phased approach, the “hours” to restoration can vary widely depending on the cause, scale of damage, weather conditions, number of customers affected, and accessibility of the site. NIPSCO explicitly notes that it may take several hours or even days to restore power depending on the severity of the storm and the extent of damage.

Outage Causes & Conditions

Several causes commonly trigger outages: severe storms, wind, ice, fallen trees, equipment failure, transmission issues, and distribution system damage. Storms and tree damage remain frequent causes of prolonged outages.

Customer Experience & Hours of Outage

From customer reports, outage durations vary. Some homes had 10‑13 hours off, others much longer, including multi-day outages in severe cases.

Safety & Preparations

NIPSCO provides guidance on what to do before, during, and after an outage:

Before

• Monitor weather forecasts

• Trim shrubs or trees near power lines

• Compile an emergency kit (flashlight, batteries, radio, food, water, medicines)

• Plan for essential equipment (life support, generator) if needed

During

• Do not touch downed power lines or anything touching them

• Keep away from windows and open flames; avoid using stove or grill to heat home

• If using a generator, ensure it’s placed away from doors/windows/vents to avoid carbon‑monoxide

• Unplug appliances prior to restored service to avoid surges

After

• Do not touch downed power lines

• Discard food that smells odd or has changed color or texture

These preparations help mitigate risk and inconvenience during the outage hours.

Customer Service & Operational Hours

While much of outage restoration is 24/7, NIPSCO’s standard customer service hours for non-emergencies are weekdays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. For outages and emergencies, the lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Parent Company Context: NiSource & Stock Notes

Business Overview

NIPSCO is a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE ticker: NI). NiSource is a regulated utility company providing electric and gas services through various regional units.

Stock & Analyst View

• Some analysts reaffirm a Buy rating on NiSource with price targets around $45, citing growth via NIPSCO’s resource planning

• Other analysts have more cautious ratings, noting regulatory uncertainty in Indiana

• Recent earnings show adjusted EPS growth, reaffirming guidance for the year

Strategic Moves & Growth Drivers

• NiSource sold a minority equity stake in NIPSCO to raise capital for renewable transition

• NIPSCO is planning to retire all coal-fired units by 2028 and transition to cleaner generation

• The data center opportunity in Northern Indiana could require substantial new generation and battery infrastructure by 2032

Regulatory & Rate-Base Considerations

Utilities like NiSource/NIPSCO are regulated; allowed returns, rate increases, and capital recoveries depend on state regulatory commissions. Regulatory uncertainty can be a headwind for stock performance.

Investment Summary & Risks

Positives

• Stable regulated utility business

• Growth upside from large-load contracts

• Opportunity from transition to renewables

Risks

• Regulatory delays or unfavorable decisions

• Outage/reliability events can increase costs and hurt reputation

• Rising costs and capital expenditure burdens

What This All Means: Implications of the Outage & Service Restoration

For Customers

• Understand that critical infrastructure is prioritized; your home may not be first restored

• Report outages promptly using all available channels

• Have emergency kits and backup plans

• Follow safety precautions during the outage

• After power is restored, check systems and appliances for proper operation

For NIPSCO / NiSource

• Reliability is critical; outages impact customer satisfaction and regulatory perception

• Capital investment is required for modernization, reliability, and renewable integration

• Transparent communication during outages builds trust

For Investors

• Outages are operational risks affecting costs and reputation

• Growth opportunities exist via large-load contracts and generation transition

• Dividend stability remains attractive

• Stock valuation reflects both stability and regulatory risk

Specific Example: Outage Restoration Hours

1. Storm hits region: Damage to feeder lines

2. Initial outage reports: Customers report power loss

3. High-voltage/transmission repair: Largest feeders/substations restored first

4. Critical facility restoration: Hospitals, emergency services

5. Neighborhood lines: Blocks of customers restored

6. Individual homes: Last phase, may extend late into the day or next day

7. Typical restoration times: Moderate outage—4-8 hours; widespread storm damage—12-24 hours or more

Outage Communication & Customer Expectations

• Check outage maps frequently and sign up for alerts

• Forecast restoration times are estimates and can change

• Unplug sensitive electronics during restoration

• If outage extends unusually long, call customer service for updates

Outage Hours, Start Service & Reliability Metrics

• “Start of service” depends on location and severity

• Outage hours range from a few hours to multi-day events

• Rural or tree-lined areas may experience longer outages

• Preventive measures (tree trimming, equipment upgrades) reduce outage frequency and duration

Business & Financial Impacts of Outages

• Outages increase repair and operational costs

• Frequent outages can affect customer satisfaction and regulatory approval

• Infrastructure investment improves reliability and supports rate-base growth

• Large load growth (data centers) depends on high reliability

Looking Ahead: Reliability, Growth & Stock Considerations

• Reliability upgrades and generation transition are ongoing

• Large-load demand from data centers provides growth opportunities

• Outage management, infrastructure investment, and regulatory approvals will shape long-term performance