High utility bills spark customer protest outside NIPSCO headquarters

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — Customers of the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) gathered outside the utility’s headquarters Wed. afternoon, protesting what they call sky-high charges on their recent bills.

Customers like Monticello resident Michelle Chapman, a disabled veteran living on a limited income, are unsure what they’re going to do when they get their next bill.

“It says we’re not supposed to fear or have anxiety in the Bible, but it’s there... February’s bill, it will be the worst one. I know it is… I keep looking through the house like can I sell this? Can anyone in the area buy it? I don’t know,” expressed Chapman.

She explained she’s seen a high spike in her delivery charge, which is separated on NIPSCO bills from the gas supply charge, which is how much gas a customer uses.

Chapmans on social security and Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation, “I know that I’m in a better position than a lot of people, but because of a lot of health issues, my income gets wiped out, and NIPSCO takes nearly a third of it now.”

The protest’s organizer, Leo Tatro, has camped outside the company’s headquarters several times. He explained they held the protest to ask NIPSCO to do three things.

“So we’re hitting them with a seven day notice to turn back on all the [utilities for] seniors and all the disabled customers… they have to make energy affordable again, and they have to show the world that they care, and if not, all of the United States is watching them,” explained Tatro.

ABC57 reached out to NIPSCO for a response to the protest and received the following comment, “Protests happen when people feel unheard. Our focus now is listening, explaining clearly, and helping customers navigate their options.”

ABC57 has also reached out to NIPSCO for an interview with CEO Vince Parisi on several occasions, but we’re told he does not have the availability. We have reached out again for an interview and are awaiting a response.

NightTeam’s Blake Parker is working on a special report on the subject, set to air Feb. 12 at five.