Pointing to a recent survey that ranks NIPSCO one of the worst electric utilities in terms of customer service, LaPorte County officials on Tuesday blasted the utility for outsourcing jobs and closing facilities.

Northern Indiana Public Service Co. placed 77th out of 78 medium-sized electric utilities by J.D. Power & Associates, which ranks utility companies annually based on customer satisfaction and service.

In response, LaPorte County Commission President Marlow Harmon demanded to know how closing facilities or outsourcing jobs — two cost-cutting measures made by the utility — are going to improve performance.

Harmon also took aim at NIPSCO President Mark Maassel for going on an economic development trip to Asia with Gov. Mitch Daniels a few weeks ago.

“Maassel ought to apologize to Northwest Indiana ratepayers for his company’s continued abysmal performance, instead of running off to Japan for a week with the governor,” Harmon said.

“What Japanese company does he think he is going to induce to come to Northwest Indiana with such poor service and high rates,” Harmon asked.

Recently, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission stopped NIPSCO from closing five maintenance hubs, including those in Valparaiso, LaPorte and Plymouth, following a three-year effort spearheaded by LaPorte County.

NIPSCO argued downsizing would reduce operating costs while at least maintaining or improving service, claims that were strongly opposed by LaPorte County and questioned by the IURC.

If NIPSCO truly wants to improve service, LaPorte County attorney Shaw Friedman said, the utility should find out what utility companies at the top of the J.D. Power & Associates survey are doing.

Friedman said the time spent by Maassel and other NIPSCO representatives in Japan would have been spent more wisely in Louisville, Ky., at Louisville Gas & Electric, which has ranked first on the J.D. Power & Associates list for six of the past seven years.

In response, NIPSCO replied the J.D. Power & Associates study is one of many tools used by the utility to measure customer satisfaction levels.

“We’re focused on providing our customers with a reliable supply of power and implementing new technologies to deliver high levels of customer service,” NIPSCO spokesman Tom Cuddy said.