Columbia Gas of Ohio to Install 160,000 Elster Perfection Risers

Cleveland, OH, February 23, 2008 Columbia Gas of Ohio, with headquarters in Columbus and Elster Perfection, based in Madison, Ohio, announce that Columbia Gas plans to purchase approximately 160,000 natural gas service risers as part of Columbia’s riser replacement program.

In response to a request from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), Columbia Gas has moved quickly to address the issue of safety for its customers.  A study conducted for the PUCO determined that certain types of risers may leak if improperly installed. 

“Elster Perfection is pleased to be awarded this business to help Columbia address its riser needs.  It’s great that Columbia selected us, an Ohio company, to supply product for this project.  It keeps work and jobs in Ohio and we’re confident that our product will provide a safe and long term solution for Columbia Gas customers," said Scott Kranstuber, Director of Sales and Marketing for Elster Perfection.

Replacement of the potentially dangerous risers with new Elster Perfection risers is scheduled to begin in March and continue for three years.  Up to 300,000 homeowners in Columbia’s service territory could be affected.

Ends.

For further information contact:

Amber Bosma, Elster Gas North America, 440-417-1130, abosma@perfectioncorp.com

About Elster Perfection
Elster Perfection is the world’s leading manufacturer of non-metallic mechanical joining products for natural gas and propane gas distribution systems. Elster Perfection’s complete mechanical polyethylene gas distribution system allows installers to connect with integrity, safety, and speed without using special tools or expensive equipment.

About Columbia Gas
Columbia Gas of Ohio, with headquarters in Columbus, is one of the 10 energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). Serving approximately 1.4 million customers in 60 of Ohio’s 88 counties, it is the largest natural gas utility in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million gas and electric customers primarily in nine states. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio is available at www.columbiagasohio.com.

About Elster Group
Elster Group is the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of highly accurate, high quality, integrated metering and utilization solutions to the gas, electricity and water industries.

The group has over 7,500 staff, operations in 38 countries and serves over 115 markets around the world. Elster’s high quality products and systems reflect the wealth of knowledge and experience gained from over 170 years of dedication to measuring precious resources and energy.

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