Sustainability Efforts of Columbia Gas of Kentucky Highlighted
LEXINGTON, Ky. – April 23, 2010 – In an effort to provide stakeholders an in-depth look at the company's progress toward building sustainable value, NiSource Inc. has issued its first annual Sustainability Report. Columbia Gas of Kentucky's efforts contribute to overall corporate goals through specific, local customer-focused programs.
The comprehensive report outlines the NiSource companies' ongoing sustainable business approach, including how they continue to build value through customer-focused energy solutions; environmental stewardship; strong, stable communities; and engaged, aligned and safe teams.
"Columbia Gas and its parent company, NiSource Inc., are serious about establishing a legacy of sustained economic growth, social responsibility and environmental stewardship," said Columbia Gas of Kentucky President Herbert A. Miller, Jr. "Our support of organizations and initiatives focusing on low-income energy assistance, smart growth, human needs and services, education and literacy, and other issues are an important part of our history and an essential part of our future in the communities we serve."
Columbia Gas of Kentucky's sustainability contribution includes:
- This month, Columbia Gas of Kentucky introduced WarmWise, a series of residential energy efficiency programs designed to help customers save energy. These programs include furnace replacements for low-income customers through the Community Action Council's Weatherization Program, home energy audits and natural gas appliance rebates.
- In 2010, Columbia Gas of Kentucky joined other NiSource distribution companies in a partnership with The Nature Conservancy's Plant-a-Billion Trees program. For every customer who signed up for Direct e-Bill, NiSource contributed $10 to The Nature Conservancy – the cost of planting 10 trees – as part of the Plant-a-Billion Trees program to rebuild the Atlantic Forest.
- Columbia Gas of Kentucky regularly supports organizations and events designed to improve the lives of individuals while creating stronger communities, including The Poverty Forum series conducted by the Community Action Council, The Lexington Children's Theatre Shows In Schools program, the LFUCG Police Activities League, the Black Stallion Literacy Program, the Court Appointed Special Advocates 10K Run, Women Leading Kentucky, Bluegrass Tomorrow, the Bluegrass Conservancy, the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, and many more.
- Since 2008, Columbia Gas of Kentucky has been implementing an Accelerated Main Replacement Program to replace nearly 540 miles of aging pipe with new, state-of-the-art pipeline material to ensure continued safe, reliable service for its customers. Columbia was awarded a Historic Preservation Award for its work in one downtown Lexington neighborhood.
- During the last 12 months, Columbia Gas of Kentucky introduced a new, more customer-focused Web site design. The site provides more self-service options, improved site navigation, and targeted tools to meet the needs of our customers. Looking ahead, social media, mobile technology and other enhancements will play key roles in our customer engagement strategy.
The report was produced using the Global Reporting Initiative Reporting Guidelines, a leading industry framework for measuring corporate sustainability initiatives and progress.
Visit the About Us section of our Web site to learn more about Columbia Gas of Kentucky. Information about NiSource is avaliable at www.nisource.com.