Gary Residents Express Concerns Over Slow Power Restoration Following Storm

Gary residents are voicing their frustrations after being excluded from an online NIPSCO power restoration timeline. Angry reactions on social media prompted a press conference on Wednesday, led by Mayor Eddie Melton. The city, along with parts of Northwest Indiana, has faced power outages for nine days following an August 11 storm that impacted 301,000 customers of NIPSCO.

As of Thursday at 11 a.m., 64,017 NIPSCO customers remain without power, with 25,560 in Gary. During the press conference, Melody Birmingham, president of the Utilities Group at NiSource, addressed the situation alongside Mayor Melton. She estimated a restoration completion by Tuesday.

Residents were frustrated watching neighboring areas regain power and schools reopen, while parts of Gary remained in the dark. However, some places like the 21st Century Charter School have resumed operations. Kevin Teasley of GEO Foundation emphasized the importance of schools being open, demonstrating the community’s support.

Mayor Melton reassured Gary residents of ongoing support, highlighting the presence of linemen working daily. Birmingham clarified that unprecedented 99 mph winds had caused extensive damage, complicating repair efforts. The storm necessitated rebuilding significant portions of the electric system.

Birmingham acknowledged the residents’ concerns about the slower pace of restoration in Gary compared to other cities. She cited the extensive damage in Gary as a key reason for the delay. Around 17,000 homes have regained power, yet the storm’s impact was equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.

NIPSCO’s workers conducted a thorough assessment, identifying 291 utility poles and 44 transmission poles requiring repair before power restoration could progress. Additionally, there were 27 source outages at substations needing attention.

Birmingham asserted that a shooting incident on August 14 in Gary, involving shots fired at NIPSCO workers, did not hinder restoration efforts. Out-of-state teams from Kentucky and Ohio were brought in to assist despite the incident.

Before the press conference, Birmingham and local officials met with Gary clergy who organized a prayer vigil at City Hall. City on the Hill Pastor Antoine Goffin initiated this event, which drew 82 participants wishing for solutions. The clergy emphasized to Birmingham the need for improved communication as restoration timelines were updated.