(Indianapolis, IN) - NIPSCO has been fined nearly a half million dollars for violating the state’s minimum pipeline safety standards.

According to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, utility companies by state law are required to provide the location of their underground facilities when asked. 

The IURC said it found 190 violations where NIPSCO failed to timely or accurately locate its buried lines and pipes when excavators requested the information. The information is sought in advance to avoid rupturing buried natural gas pipes and electrical wiring.

NIPSCO was credited by the IURC with taking steps to address the problems.  The utility company agreed not to challenge the penalty, according to IURC.