Northern Indiana Public Service Co. employees, who are represented by the United Steelworkers, voted to ratify the collective bargaining agreement with the company on Tuesday.

Local 12775 represents approximately 1,450 members working in gas and electric operations as well as NIPSCO's four power plants. Local 13796 represents about 450 office and technical workers at NIPSCO.

The contract establishes a mandatory response provision for major storms that impact and damage NIPSCO's electric transmission and distribution systems.

Approximately 200 lineman will be committed to making repairs and getting electric service restored to all affected customers.

The provision is intended to greatly improve restoration time to customers.

The contract will also provide for the continuation of a 24-hour call center operation in Merrillville.

The 13 employees of the Sugar Creek Power Plant, which is located outside Terre Haute, are covered under the new agreement.