NOTICE OF JOINT PETITION OF NISOURCE INC.,

NOTICE OF JOINT PETITION OF NISOURCE INC.,

NEW NISOURCE INC.., AND COLUMBIA ENERGY GROUP

FOR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

CASE NO. PUA000024

NiSource Inc. ("NiSource"), New NiSource Inc. ("New NiSource"), and Columbia Energy Croup, ("Columbia Energy"), (collectively, the"Petitioners"), filed a joint petition requesting approval of a proposed transaction whereby Columbia Energy would merge into New NiSource. The proposed transaction will result in New NiSource acquiring control of Columbia Energy's whooly owned subsidiary, Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc.

A copy of the above-referenced joint petition is available for inspection during regular business hours at the State Corporation Commission, Document Control Center, First Floor, lyier Building, 1300 East Main Street; Richmond, Virginia Interested persons may obtain a copy of the joint petition, at no charge, by requesting a copy in writing from Petitioners' counsel at the address set forth below.

Comments on the joint petition must be submitted in writing to Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218, on or before May 18,2000. Requests for hearing must also be received by the Clerk on or before May 18,2000. Requests for hearing shall state why a hearing is necessary and why such issues cannot be adequately addressed in written comments.

All correspondence should refer to Case No. PUA000024. A copy of the comments or requests for hearing must also be sent to counsel for the Petitioners as follows: Edward L Flippen, Esquire, McGuire Woods Battle & Boothe, One James Center, 901 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-4030.

If no sufficient request for hearing are received, a formal hearing may not be held.

NISOURCE INC., NEW NISOURCE INC.,

AND COLUMBIA ENERGY CROUP