As the state creeps up on three weeks since devastating storms hit Northwest and Central Indiana, Gov. Mike Braun thanked local, state and federal officials who made a swift effort to restore everything back to normal, while NIPSCO announced that it’s suspending disconnections and collections through September.
“We thought it could be as early as September, if not longer, to get a major disaster declaration,” Braun said during a press briefing Thursday afternoon. “We got that about as quickly as it could have come along.”
Braun and other state officials held a press briefing Thursday afternoon to talk about resources for those who have been affected by devastating storms statewide. They also explained what benefits would be available after President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
While the state and FEMA work out the details of the disaster declaration, Braun encouraged those affected to contact Indiana 211, the Red Cross and their local food banks for assistance. The National Guard was mobilized following the Aug. 11 derecho, Braun said, and he’s directed state resources and backup contractors to work with FEMA to remove debris.
“All hands have been on deck,” Braun said. “I’m pleased with the total response from local, state and federal authorities.”
On Thursday, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said FEMA might not cover all damage to someone’s property. He also encouraged people to be wary of fraud from those posing as insurance companies or contractors.
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Acting Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 5 Fred Kaehler thanked Braun and other state officials for their work with the federal agency.
Kaehler said FEMA can provide money to help storm survivors repair or replace items damaged from the storms, including homes, furniture, vehicles, furnaces, air conditioning and other personal property. FEMA might also help provide money to recover costs of temporary housing.
However, Kaehler encouraged Indiana residents to work with insurance first if they cover any storm damage while applying for FEMA assistance.
“Over 13,000 have already registered,” he said. “It’s fantastic. … Don’t wait. Get your application in as soon as possible.”
Those seeking FEMA assistance can go to disasterassistance.gov. FEMA also has intake centers throughout Lake County, including 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Monday at Lake County Purdue Extension in Crown Point; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Hobart Fire Station #2; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at United Steelworkers Local 1014 in Gary; and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 4 and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Lions Club Social Center in Munster.
NIPSCO suspends disconnections but faces calls for investigation
Following storm recovery from the Aug. 11 derecho, NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation announced a $2 million contribution to recovery efforts, customer protections and financial assistance. The funding will be administered through the Legacy Foundation, Porter County Community Foundation and the Unity Foundation.
The utility company has also suspended disconnections for nonpayment and paused collection activities through Sept. 30 “to provide additional time and flexibility following the storms,” according to the news release.
In an email to some customers, NIPSCO said bills received in the past two weeks “may have been estimated” because power to the electric meter was interrupted during the storm. Estimated usage will be reconciled on the next bill, according to the message to customers.
“To provide additional support during this recovery period, you may choose to wait until your next bill arrives next month before making a payment,” the NIPSCO message said. “We are also waiving all late fees on this estimated bill only. We hope this flexibility provides some peace of mind as you focus on recovery and take care of what matters most. Thank you for your patience as our teams continue working to support customers and communities affected by the storm.”
State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage, said in a statement Thursday that his constituents expect a 100% credit for every day they went without service “due to the lack of planning by NIPSCO.”
“NIPSCO didn’t create the storm, but the ratepayers of the 10th District believe NIPSCO helped create the chaos,” Moseley said. “Stop being responsible to the shareholders. Start being responsible to the ratepayers and stop treating us like an ATM.”
Moseley also thanked NIPSCO linemen and USW Local 12775 and 13796 for their hard work, dedication and commitment to customers while working to restore service.
Following calls by Indiana House Democrats and Gov. Braun for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to investigate NIPSCO, State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, joined calls for an inquiry on the storm. Specifically, he wants the IURC to contract with an independent, third-party to review preparedness and response efforts of regulated utilities and other critical responders. He is also asking Legislative Council to assign the topic to the Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, which he chairs, for a hearing to examine the response to the Aug. 11 derecho.
“Residents across Northwest Indiana are facing significant hardships from the prolonged power outages following the recent storms,” Soliday said in a statement Thursday. “These were historic, catastrophic storms that tested the state and our region’s readiness and response. Hoosiers deserve to know what worked, what didn’t and what needs to improve before the next storm. That’s why I’m calling on the IURC to commission an independent, third-party review of the utilities’ response and proposing an interim study committee to answer immediate questions and concerns. As recovery continues, I remain incredibly grateful to the first responders, linemen, organizations and neighbors who continue to work tirelessly to assist in restoration efforts.”
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Gary announces debris removal plans
The city of Gary announced Wednesday that it’s partnered with contractors and residents to launch storm recovery and debris removal operations.
“As we come together to advance the debris removal effort, the City of Gary can take pride that together we are moving forward from a position of emergency response to a mindset of recovery and resilience,” Mayor Eddie Melton said in a news release. “Through this important work,we can see our efforts are not just about cleaning up debris but about restoring neighborhoods, reconnecting families and rebuilding stronger.”
EGIS engineering consulting will assist the city with FEMA and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant management, damage assessments and overall recovery coordination, according to the news release. Thompson Consulting will oversee debris tracking to support efficient and accountable storm debris removal.
AshBritt, a national disaster recovery and environmental services contractor, was hired to conduct curbside storm debris collection in Gary. Collection crews will begin in the South Glen Park and North Miller neighborhoods before making their way inwards. The city asked residents to separate debris into vegetative waste and construction debris, and AshBritt will make separate collection passes.
Residents are also asked to move vehicles off the street, take photos of debris before collection for insurance and documentation purposes, and understand that debris is clogging streets and yards and “must be safely removed and legally disposed of in permitted landfills.”