MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WLKI)- NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation are contributing $2 million to support Northwest Indiana communities recovering from recent severe storms.
According to NIPSCO, the funding will be administered through the Legacy Foundation, Porter County Community Foundation and Unity Foundation.
The three foundations will work with local nonprofit organizations to identify and address continuing needs in communities affected by the storms.
The funding is intended to support organizations providing food to families, assisting older residents, coordinating volunteers and responding to other challenges that remain after power restoration.
"The work of recovery doesn't end when power is restored," said Melody Birmingham, executive vice president and group president of NiSource utilities.
Birmingham said local organizations have played a significant role in helping families and communities throughout the storm response.
"This funding will help sustain those community-led efforts and ensure organizations can continue serving residents in the weeks and months ahead," Birmingham said.
NIPSCO is also providing temporary protections for residential electric customers experiencing financial difficulties following the storms.
The company has suspended disconnections for nonpayment and paused collection activities through Sept. 30.
NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer Vincent Parisi said the company recognizes that the recovery process is different for each household and community.
"Our goal is to make sure our neighbors know support is available," Parisi said.
The company is directing customers experiencing financial challenges to its online assistance center.
Information about payment assistance programs and other resources is available at NIPSCO.com/FinancialSupport.
NIPSCO said the available programs are intended to help customers remain connected while finding assistance that fits their individual financial circumstances.
The contribution and customer protections follow severe storms that caused widespread damage and prolonged power outages across Northwest Indiana.
Although power has been restored across the broader region, local organizations continue assisting residents with financial losses, damaged property and other recovery needs.