At Investor Day, NiSource will discuss its recently launched NiSource Next initiative, a comprehensive program designed to identify long-term, sustainable capability enhancements and cost efficiency improvements. Through this program, the company anticipates driving continuous operational learnings and improvements throughout the organization, while also contributing to an approximately 8% reduction in O&M costs in 2021 from expected 2020 levels. This cost reduction is expected to offset future inflationary pressure to keep O&M costs relatively flat through 2024 and ensure customers realize the value of the company’s enhanced capabilities.
Execution of NiSource’s strategy is expected to drive a rate base compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% – 12%, which is expected to result in a 7% – 9% NOEPS CAGR, and annual dividend growth to maintain the company’s targeted 60% – 70% payout ratio over 2021 – 2024. Through the execution of a strong rate base growth strategy while focusing on safety enhancing capital deployment, and executing NiSource Next, customer affordability is preserved throughout the planning horizon.
Growth Driven by Safety, Risk Mitigation and Customer Service
NiSource continues to prioritize its safety initiatives across its gas and electric businesses, including its SMS implementation, which improves and drives robust operating standards, risk identification and mitigation capabilities. The company’s $1.9 – $2.2 billion in planned annual capital investment in its growth, safety and asset modernization programs is enhancing NiSource’s system safety and reliability while driving shareholder value. The company will also discuss how its NiSource Next program further supports the high priority NiSource places on safety, risk mitigation and customer service.
Renewable Generation Transition Strategy Focused on Affordability and Sustainability
NiSource continues to execute its renewable generation transition strategy that embraces the need for clean energy in supporting its customers and communities through its NIPSCO gas and electric distribution company in Indiana. The company is focused on retiring 100% of coal generation assets by 2028 and replacing them primarily with renewables.
As part of NIPSCO’s planned replacement of approximately 1,400 megawatts of retiring coal-fired generation in 2023, NiSource has identified $1.8 – $2.0 billion in capital investment opportunities, incremental to our previous capital plan, to be deployed primarily across 2022 and 2023. These investments in renewable energy will provide benefits for customers and value for shareholders. The overall replacement plan is expected to save NIPSCO’s electric customers more than $4 billion in costs over 30 years when compared to the continued operation of NIPSCO’s current generation fleet and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 90 percent by 2030 compared to a 2005 baseline.
“Our approach across our portfolio is focused on driving affordability for our customers and sustainability for the communities we serve. It’s important that we listen to our customers and pursue strategic investments that meet their evolving demands for more affordable, and cleaner energy resources,” said Hamrock.
Today’s Investor Day Presentation
NiSource’s Investor Day presentation will be webcast with accompanying presentations on www.nisource.com starting at 11:00 am ET and is expected to conclude by 1:00 pm ET. A replay of the webcast will be available on www.nisource.com beginning that evening.
About NiSource
NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) is one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.5 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers across seven states through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. Based in Merrillville, Indiana, NiSource’s approximately 8,400 employees are focused on safely delivering reliable and affordable
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