Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania : and employees donate over $665,000 to non-profit organizations in 2016

Local utility and employees provide contributions to over 210 charities throughout 26 counties

CANONSBURG, Pa. - Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc. is committed to enhancing the quality of life for our customers, employees and communities we serve. Through Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania's Community Investment Program, the Company and its employees donate time, money, and other resources each year to hundreds of local philanthropic programs and organizations across our 26-county service area, focusing on:

• Public Safety & Emergency Response • Environmental Stewardship • Community & Economic Development

Last year, Columbia Gas and its employees donated more than $665,000 to over 210 individual charities and the United Way.

Additionally, last year Columbia Gas employees donated $154,000 of their personal income to the United Way. 'This is the tenth consecutive year that we increased donations for the United Way campaign. This is a true testament to our employees' commitment to the communities in which they live and work,' said Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania President Mark Kempic.

As part of the Company's total donations, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania makes a significant contribution to the Dollar Energy Fund, a non-profit organization that helps income-eligible families and seniors who are experiencing hardship by providing utility assistance and other services that lead to self-sufficiency. Columbia Gas matches each dollar of customer contributions to the Dollar Energy Fund, totaling a donation of over $175,000 in 2016.

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is also the local representative of its parent company's charitable foundation, the NiSource Foundation. Nearly $75,000 in foundation grants were distributed in Pennsylvania in 2016.

Company charitable contributions are not funded by customers though utility service rates. Charitable contributions are primarily funded by shareholders as a core part of the Company's commitment to support the communities and customers it serves.

For more information about Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania's community support, including how non-profits within the natural gas utility's service territory can apply for a grant, please visit www.ColumbiaGasPA.com/givingback.

About Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania

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