Gary residents report blackouts

Residents in Gary, Indiana report ongoing power outages months after an August storm.

August storm impact

The August 11 storm left Gary without power for two weeks, causing food spoilage and displacement.

Recurring blackouts

Residents experience intermittent power disruptions even after power was restored following the storm.

Resident Sherry Smith

Sherry Smith, a former Gary Common Council employee, lost power for two weeks and fears recurring blackouts.

“We need to take this seriously because we’re still having power out”

Resident Marsha Jones

Marsha Jones, a Westside business owner, lost power for 19 days, water damaged her basement, and her roof leaks.

“They need to be held accountable”

Gary Councilman Myles Tolliver

Gary Councilman Myles Tolliver Sr. reports power interruptions have become the norm in Gary.

“The wind blows the wrong way, we lose power”

Power line maintenance

Tolliver says power lines are embedded in tree limbs and leaves with trees marked for cutting years ago.

Food savings impact

Nearly 40% of Gary residents receive SNAP benefits, changing how they save food due to power outages.

Statehouse testimony

Sherry Smith testified at Indiana Statehouse about recurring blackouts before winter season.

“This happened before the derecho. It happened during the derecho, and it’s still happening as we get ready to come into the winter months”

NIPSCO response

NIPSCO has yet to respond to requests about the intermittent blackouts.

Utility bill concerns

Marsha Jones reports utility bills are twice what she expected after three weeks without power.

Community impact

Residents say they fear refrigerators will go silent for hours or days, causing food spoilage.

State committee hearing

A joint committee hearing in September examined NIPSCO’s storm preparedness and response.

What happens next

Gary residents demand NIPSCO address power outages before winter season begins.