News Release

News Release:
February 13, 2007

Contact:
Columbia Gas of Virginia
Bob Innes
804-768-6410 - office
804-512-1425 - cellular
rinnes@nisource.com

Protecting Underground Natural Gas Pipelines Is a Partnership

Chester, VA - Feb. 13, 2007 - Can you recognize a natural gas leak? Do you know what to do if you suspect a natural gas leak? What steps should you take to prevent damage to underground utilities? The answers to these questions and more can be found in a pipeline safety brochure available from Columbia Gas of Virginia (Columbia).

Each day the underground invisible network of over a million miles of pipeline safely carries natural gas from supply areas to customers’ homes, businesses and factories across the country. In Virginia, Columbia safely operates more than 4,500 miles of underground pipelines that serves more than 234,000 customers.

“As part of our effort to increase awareness of pipeline safety and maintenance, Columbia Gas is mailing this brochure to excavators, emergency response officials, and customers nearest our larger underground pipelines,” said Dan Cote, general manager, operations for Columbia. “Natural gas pipelines have a proven record of safety and this brochure will help further educate individuals on identification of natural gas pipeline equipment, how to prevent damage and protect against personal injury.”

Topics covered in the pipeline safety brochure include how to recognize and report a natural gas leak and why you should call Miss Utility before you dig.

An English and Spanish version of the pipeline safety brochure is available on line at www.columbiagasva.com. Por favor visite www.columbiagasva.com para información en Español acerca de la seguridad en las líneas de tubería de gas natural.

About Columbia Gas of Virginia
Columbia Gas of Virginia, with headquarters in Chesterfield County, is one of the 10 energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). Columbia Gas of Virginia serves more than 230,000 customers in portions of Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, suburban Richmond, Central Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley, the Lynchburg region and parts of Western Virginia. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.7 million gas and electric customers primarily in nine states. More information about Columbia Gas of Virginia is available on the World Wide Web at www.columbiagasva.com.