NiSource controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2018
Merrimack Valley gas explosions
On September 13, 2018, overpressure and related operational failures in the Columbia Gas of Massachusetts system caused fires and explosions in Andover, Lawrence, and North Andover. One person was killed and at least 25 were injured. Residents were evacuated, electricity was shut off during inspections, and gas service to approximately 8,600 customers was disrupted, in some cases for months. Columbia Gas admitted mishandling pressure-monitoring sensors and pleaded guilty to violating the federal Pipeline Safety Act. The company paid a federal fine and entered into substantial settlements with residents, businesses, and municipalities. NiSource later agreed to sell its Massachusetts gas operations to Eversource.
2011
Criticism over lobbying, tax benefits, and executive compensation
Public Campaign criticized NiSource’s reported lobbying expenditures, use of federal tax benefits, and increases in compensation for its top executives. NiSource responded that accelerated depreciation rules changed the timing rather than the total amount of deductions and were intended to encourage capital investment.