NiSource Again Named to Dow Jones Sustainability Index

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) - North America in recognition of the company's sustainable business practices and performance for the fourth consecutive year. NiSource is the second highest ranked U.S. multi-utility on the list.

The ranking reflects advancements NiSource made to its sustainability strategy in 2016 by outlining aggressive and achievable targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Supported by its existing business strategy and $30 billion of long-term infrastructure investment opportunities, these emission reduction targets are enabled through the retirement of 50 percent of the company's coal-fired electric generation fleet and accelerated replacement of its natural gas distribution infrastructure.

"We take pride in our inclusion on this list because it recognizes our relentless focus on serving our customers in a way that is safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and sustainable," said NiSource President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Hamrock. "We've set our sights high and are making proactive environmental improvements that are in line with the needs of our customers."

By 2025, NiSource expects to reduce:

• Nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and mercury emissions by more than 90 percent from 2005 levels
• Water withdrawal by more than 90 percent from 2005 levels
• Methane emissions from gas service and main lines by more than 50 percent from 2005 levels
• Carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50 percent from 2005 levels

These proactive initiatives are expected to reduce emissions to a level exceeding the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Clean Power Plan. 

Additional Sustainability Progress in 2016

Additional progress on NiSource's sustainability journey includes the following accomplishments in 2016. 

Industry-Leading Safety Performance

• Responding to natural gas emergencies in 45 minutes, 15 minutes faster than the industry standard
• A 14 percent decline in leaks found
• Top quartile performance in key safety areas

Top-Tier Customer Satisfaction and Investments That Deliver Service Reliability

• Record levels of capital investment driving improved safety and reliability
• Fostering a customer-centric culture among employees, enhancing our processes and implementing new technologies to meet customers' changing expectations
• Continued support and advocacy of customer programs to help ensure affordability, increase comfort and reduce energy usage
• Promoting programs allowing customers to generate electricity using renewable resources

Recognized Among the Best Places to Work

• Ranked as No. 1 utility in Forbes' 2017 America's Best Large Employers list, as well as other national and regional recognition
• Nearly 9 out of 10 of our employees would recommend NiSource as a great place to work
• Approximately $5.5 million donated to nonprofit organizations in our communities
• More than 13,500 hours volunteered by employees

Full details of NiSource's progress can be found in its 2016 Integrated Annual Report and related information available at www.nisource.com/sustainability. 

About NiSource
NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) is one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.5 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers across seven states through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. Based in Merrillville, Indiana, NiSource's approximately 8,000 employees are focused on safely delivering reliable and affordable energy to our customers and communities we serve. NiSource has been designated a World's Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute since 2012, is a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability - North America Index and was named by Forbes magazine as the top-rated utility among America's Best Large Employers in 2017. Additional information about NiSource, its investments in modern infrastructure and systems, its commitments and its local brands can be found at www.nisource.com. Follow us at www.facebook.com/nisource, www.linkedin.com/company/nisource or www.twitter.com/nisourceinc.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Investors and prospective investors should understand that many factors govern whether any forward-looking statement contained herein will be or can be realized. Any one of those factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include statements and expectations regarding NiSource's business, performance, growth, commitments, investment opportunities, and planned, identified, infrastructure or utility investments. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that management believes to be reasonable; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, forecasts, estimates, plans, expectations and strategy discussed in this press release include, among other things, NiSource's debt obligations; any changes in NiSource's credit rating; NiSource's ability to execute its growth strategy; changes in general economic, capital and commodity market conditions; pension funding obligations; economic regulation and the impact of regulatory rate reviews; NiSource's ability to obtain expected financial or regulatory outcomes; any damage to NiSource's reputation; compliance with environmental laws and the costs of associated liabilities; fluctuations in demand from residential and commercial customers; economic conditions of certain industries; the success of NIPSCO's electric generation strategy; the price of energy commodities and related transportation costs; the reliability of customers and suppliers to fulfill their payment and contractual obligations; potential impairments of goodwill or definite-lived intangible assets; changes in taxation and accounting principles; potential incidents and other operating risks associated with our business; the impact of an aging infrastructure; the impact of climate change; potential cyber-attacks; construction risks and natural gas costs and supply risks; extreme weather conditions; the attraction and retention of a qualified work force; advances in technology; the ability of NiSource's subsidiaries to generate cash; tax liabilities associated with the separation of Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc. and other matters set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" section of NiSource's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. NiSource expressly disclaims any duty to update, supplement or amend any of its forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. NI-F

SOURCE NiSource Inc.