Looking Towards Our Shared Energy Future

Energy is critical to our day-to-day life. The way in which we consume and create energy is changing. That is why when we talk about our energy future, we must first acknowledge that each one of us has a stake in shaping our shared energy future.

We also must understand that it is more important than ever for companies like ours to ensure that the shift to new energy sources is conducted in a way that ensures every stakeholder across the social and economic spectrum reaps the best possible benefit from this transition—especially those at the margins of the communities we serve.

It is essential that all energy utilities across the country implement new technologies that will allow us to produce energy in a way that protects the planet by using a mix of energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, renewable natural gas and hydrogen.

But even as we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve our overall environmental performance, we need to provide today's individual, commercial and industrial customers with an uninterrupted supply of reliable energy to satisfy our basic needs.

Fortunately for our customers, natural gas is still the most cost-effective option for furnishing the energy we need to heat our homes, cook our meals and run our businesses—and it remains a key part of the energy mix as we move into our shared energy future.

As part of our broader commitment to advancing all our customers' social and economic prosperity, we also recognize that we are responsible for ensuring that our workforce and suppliers—and the services we provide—reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. That is why we have integrated policies throughout our organization that promote diversity, equity and inclusion across our entire sphere of influence. By implementing these policies, we can cultivate diversity within our corporate ranks, increase diversity among our partners and suppliers, and better satisfy the needs of our diverse and unique customers—including those in marginalized communities.

We also are working to increase the diversity of our contractors. This includes directing a larger percentage of supplier spending to diverse firms, which can generate economic benefits for their employees and communities.

These are only a few examples of how our company works to give everyone in our region a seat at the table. As we move together into our shared energy future, rest assured that NiSource will continue to pursue ecologically sound energy solutions that help preserve our planet and improve the daily lives of the millions we serve.

Lloyd Yates is the President and Chief Executive Officer of NiSource, Inc., one of the country's largest regulated utility companies serving customers under their local brands Columbia Gas and NIPSCO.

Originally appeared in Columbus Business First.