The Munster Times reports the documents recently filed with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission estimate natural gas rates will go up by a total of just under 5 percent by 2020 under its to the modernization plan, compared with nearly 10 percent estimated previously.

NIPSCO has reduced its estimated cumulative electric rate increase to 4.9 percent from about 6 percent.

NIPSCO spokesman Nick Meyer says the Merrillville-based utility adjusted its allowed rate of return to comply with IURC orders. That involved accounting for higher revenues NIPSCO may receive from new gas extensions into rural areas.