NIPSCO STORM & POWER OUTAGE UPDATE
The City of East Chicago has received an update from NIPSCO regarding the widespread power outages caused by the severe storms across Northwest Indiana.
NIPSCO has advised that this is the largest and most widespread outage event in its history, with extensive damage to power lines, poles, substations, and other electrical infrastructure. East Chicago is among the communities significantly impacted.
Crews are working around the clock, with all available NIPSCO linemen and more than 1,200 additional contractor resources deployed. DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE, RESTORATION WILL TAKE MULTIPLE DAYS IN SOME AREAS. Estimated restoration times are not yet available as damage assessments continue.
Residents are asked to:
Stay away from all downed power lines and damaged utility poles.
Avoid unnecessary travel and give utility and emergency crews room to work.
Report outages by texting “OUT” to 444111, through the NIPSCO app, or online.
If you smell natural gas or a rotten egg/sulfur-like odor, leave the area immediately and call 911 and NIPSCO from a safe location.
We understand the frustration and challenges these outages are creating for our residents. The City will continue communicating with NIPSCO and sharing updates with the community as additional information and restoration estimates become available.
Please continue to stay safe and look out for one another, East Chicago.
