Gary residents endure 13 days without power as frustration with NIPSCO grows
Gary residents endure 13 days without power as frustration with NIPSCO grows
Gary residents gathered at a local church for support and resources as they endured a 13th night without electricity, while Mayor Eddie Melton pressed NIPSCO for answers and action.
GARY, Ind. - Gary residents have been in the dark for 13 days.
Gary power outages
What we know:
The Tree of Life Baptist Church does have lights and hosted what they called the "Power Encounter," with speeches by celebrity pastors and the mayor of Gary.
Gary residents might feel neglected by the utility company NIPSCO but the city is getting national attention for how residents have endured hardships with gratitude and grace.
Ministers preached that there is a bright side to the darkness that they have lived through.
There were literal and religious references to light and finding the bright side.
And there were accusations aimed toward NIPSCO.
The utility says it has brought in extra crews to repair damage from the unprecedented tornadoes and derecho.
What they're saying:
But since people all over the country are paying attention to Gary, Mayor Eddie Melton says the people have the power now.
"Let me be clear. I worked for NIPSCO. It doesn’t take that long to bring the power on. I met with them and asked, ‘What’s going to be different? What’s going to change?’ We have a list of demands that we’re presenting today. There should be no disconnections for the next 60 to 90 days. There should be no disconnect. How will they prepare for the next storm?" Melton asked.
What's next:
Residents have been told everyone will have electricity by tomorrow at midnight. There is some doubt but there is also hope, which was emphasized at the church.
The Source: Fox Chicago's Joanie Lum attended a service at the Tree of Life Baptist Church where local leaders and religious figures called on Gary residents to be resilient as the city battles long-term power outages caused by recent storms.