NIPSCO Plans Community Meetings to Address Rising Utility Bills

Utility company responds to customer complaints about sharp increases in monthly bills.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) is planning a series of community meetings to listen to customers' concerns about escalating utility bills. Customers have complained in recent months about their bills doubling, following a 16.75% rate increase granted by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission last year. NIPSCO says the meetings are an opportunity to be transparent, answer questions, and provide information to help customers manage their energy use and costs.

Why it matters

Rising utility costs have become a major concern for many households in NIPSCO's service area, with some customers reporting their bills have doubled. These community meetings are NIPSCO's response to an outcry from customers, as the utility company seeks to address the issue and provide support.

The details

NIPSCO's rate increase of 16.75% for residential customers, an increase of about $23 per month, was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission last year. The utility had requested a higher increase of $32 per month, but the IURC settled on a smaller hike. Multiple bills in the Indiana legislature also address rising electric utility charges, including measures to automatically place customers on budget billing and prohibit disconnections during extreme weather.

  • The rate increase was to be phased in beginning last July.
  • NIPSCO's community meetings are scheduled for the following dates: Monday, February 24 in LaPorte; Tuesday, February 25 in Valparaiso; and March 2 in Merrillville.

The players

NIPSCO

Northern Indiana Public Service Company, the utility provider serving customers in the region.

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission

The state agency that regulates public utilities in Indiana and approved NIPSCO's recent rate increase.

Vince Parisi

NIPSCO's President and CEO.

Kerwin Olson

Executive Director of the Citizens Action Coalition, a consumer advocacy group.

Rodney Pol Jr.

Indiana State Senator who proposed an amendment to eliminate sales tax for utility residential customers.

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What they’re saying

“We know many of our customers have questions and concerns right now, and we want them to know that we hear them.”

— Vince Parisi, NIPSCO President and CEO (NIPSCO news release)

“We're getting flooded with calls from Northwest Indiana.”

— Kerwin Olson, Executive Director, Citizens Action Coalition (Chicago Tribune)

“Lots of people have contacted us about what's going on. This is something the CAC has been raising the alarm about for a very long time.”

— Kerwin Olson, Executive Director, Citizens Action Coalition (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will continue to play a key role in overseeing utility rates and policies, while the state legislature is also considering measures to address rising electric utility charges.

The takeaway

The community meetings organized by NIPSCO represent an effort by the utility to directly engage with customers and provide information and support amid growing concerns over escalating utility bills. However, the broader issues of utility rate increases and customer affordability will require ongoing oversight and action from state regulators and policymakers.