# Gary residents face ongoing blackouts after storm

> Gary residents still experience power outages months after August storm.
- Title: Gary residents face ongoing blackouts after storm | Shortify
- Summary: Gary residents still experience power outages months after August storm. Gary residents face repeated power outages months after August storm, demanding…
- Keywords: gary, nipsco, blackouts, power outages, indiana, electricity, residents, storm, august 11, recurring blackouts, utility bills, food spoilage
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/weather/powerless/2026/10/21/storm-gary-residents-blackouts-nipsco
- Published: 2026-10-21T18:51:12.551+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: gary, nipsco, blackouts, power outages, indiana, electricity, residents, storm, august 11, recurring blackouts, utility bills, food spoilage
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Gary residents face repeated power outages months after August storm, demanding accountability from NIPSCO.