MERRILLVILLE — NIPSCO has instituted a pandemic response plan.

“We understand that this situation has changed how our customers function and operate in their daily lives,” said NIPSCO President Violet Sistovaris via a prepared statement. “With many of you teleworking and e-learning from home, we know reliable energy is necessary to fulfill these needs.”

The plan involves short and long-term planning to address the unprecedented challenges we face today and in the future. The work in the community, at its electric generation plants, and in its call centers continues uninterrupted.

“We are fully staffed with contingency plans in place to continue working 24/7 to provide energy to our customers,” she said.

In addition, NIPSCO implemented a series of proactive and preventive steps to safeguard its employees, including restricting all non-essential business travel, implementing telework for all employees with the ability to work from home, minimizing in-person meetings by using technology, and stepping up cleaning and disinfection of work areas. Increased social distancing measures and steps to minimize close in-person interactions are also central to our plans to ensure our workforce remains safe and healthy, said the news release.

In some cases, certain types of work have been temporarily suspended in order to support the company’s ability to respond to emergencies that might arise.

NIPSCO has voluntarily suspended disconnects for customers unable to pay their NIPSCO bills. This suspension applies to both residential, commercial and industrial customers and will remain in effect until further notice. NIPSCO will offer flexible payment plans to customers experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19.

Additionally, Kosciusko REMC announced that its lobby and front desk are closed due to COVID-19. Kosciusko REMC is asking customers to pay their bill online, via the Kosciusko REMC app, by phone or through the payment kiosk located in the Kosciusko REMC parking lot at 370 South CR 250 E. Warsaw.

The Kosciusko REMC app is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.