An online power restoration schedule by NIPSCO excluded Gary, prompting negative reactions on social media. As a result, Mayor Eddie Melton held a press conference on Wednesday. Residents of Gary, along with many others in Northwest Indiana, have been without electricity for nine days. This follows the August 11 storm that disrupted power for 301,000 NIPSCO customers. As of 11 a.m. on Thursday, 64,017 customers still lack power, including 25,560 in Gary.
Melody Birmingham, president of the Utilities Group at NiSource, appeared with Mayor Melton at the press conference to discuss the situation. NiSource, NIPSCO’s parent company, estimated a restoration timeline through Tuesday. Some neighboring areas have already seen power restored and schools reopened.
Despite hardships, parts of Gary have regained power. The 21st Century Charter School reopened on Wednesday. Kevin Teasley of GEO Foundation, the school’s operator, stated, “We learned from COVID that being open is best for students… The families really appreciated us being open.” However, Gary Community School Corp. schools without power remain closed.
Melton emphasized that Gary is not neglected. “I want to be clear. Gary has not been left behind,” he assured. Linemen have been continuously working in the area. Melody Birmingham detailed unprecedented damage due to strong winds, which ripped trees onto poles and lines. “The damage in Gary is among the most severe and complex our crews have faced,” she said. Repairs typically taking weeks or months are being expedited.
Birmingham acknowledged residents’ frustration with power restorations in neighboring areas. She said, “We understand why residents have questions and are seeking answers.” Approximately 17,000 homes in Gary have regained power. The National Weather Service reported Gary experienced winds up to 99 mph, akin to a Category 2 hurricane.
Crews assessed about 2,000 miles of infrastructure to determine repair needs. They found extensive damage, including 291 utility poles and 44 transmission poles requiring work. Additionally, 27 source outages at substations were crucial to address.
Despite an incident on August 14 where shots were fired at NIPSCO workers restoring power, the project continues. No injuries or arrests occurred, and the situation is viewed as isolated. Workers from Kentucky and Ohio have joined the restoration efforts.
Birmingham and city officials met with Gary clergy before the press conference. City on the Hill Pastor Antoine Goffin organized a “Prayer for Gary” vigil following the media event. About 82 attendees participated, sharing prayers for more than an hour. Goffin, also New Chicago’s police chief, sought clarity on social media allegations. The clergy emphasized the need for communication to reduce misinformation when NIPSCO extended restoration timelines.
Freelance reporter Carole Carlson contributed to this report.