DON’T MUZZLE THE OX
Don't Muzzle the Ox is Corepark's public advocacy initiative dedicated to uncovering problems, amplifying voices, and working to turn real-world issues into meaningful policy and legislative change.
Don’t Muzzle the Ox takes its name from a biblical command instructing farmers not to muzzle an ox while it worked the grain, thus allowing the ox to benefit from the work it was doing.
We believe taxpayers and consumers deserve the same principle of fairness. When people are FORCED to pay taxes, they should receive the fair and just services and products they are paying for.
Don’t Muzzle the Ox exists to hold government agencies and businesses that receive taxpayer money accountable when people are not receiving the services, products, or value they are being FORCED to pay for.
the nipsco power outage investigation
We're investigating how repeated, extended power outages are forcing some Indiana families to throw away hundreds of dollars in refrigerated and frozen food, and whether current utility policies and state regulations adequately protect consumers. We're examining utility practices, cost recovery, and potential solutions for customers affected by prolonged outages. Updates are listed in chronological order. Check back often as our investigation continues.
July
14
2026
first story of our investigation published
Our investigation begins with the story of an Indiana family who experienced three power outages lasting at least 20 hours each within a 60-day period. Watch their story on our YouTube by clicking below.
Watch the videoJuly
15
2026
power outage poll published
As part of our ongoing investigation into power outages in Indiana, we're collecting responses from residents who have experienced multiple extended outages. If you've had to throw away more than $100 worth of refrigerated or frozen food, we'd like to hear about your experience. Every response helps us better understand the impact on Indiana families and informs our public advocacy efforts. Take our poll and share your story by clicking here.
Take the pollWatch the videoJuly
16
2026
Request for comment sent to nipsco corporate
As part of our ongoing investigation, we contacted NiSource, NIPSCO's parent company, to request comment and ask how the company is addressing the needs of customers who experience repeated, prolonged power outages.
Among the questions we asked were:
1. What solutions can NIPSCO offer customers who experience repeated, prolonged outages and recurring food losses?
2. Are there any existing programs, future initiatives, or other options being considered to help these customers?
3. Has NIPSCO considered developing a reimbursement or goodwill assistance program for customers affected by repeated extended outages, even when a storm is involved?
Watch the videoJuly
17
2026
nipsco responds to our request for comment
Nipsco has responded to our request for comment. To view their full statement, click below.
Read full statementWatch the videoJuly
30
2026
we contacted indiana regulators about customers losing food during outages
We contacted the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) seeking answers about utility cost recovery, customer protections, and policies affecting customers during extended power outages.
Among the questions we asked were:
If a storm causes the initial outage, but a utility's restoration priorities determine which customers remain without power for extended periods, what is the distinction between losses caused by the storm and losses resulting from the utility's restoration process?
In Indiana, how are below-the-line shareholder-funded customer programs typically established? Are they the result of settlement negotiations, proposed by utilities, or another method?
These are just some of the questions we submitted. Continue to check back for updates as we receive responses.
august
7
2026
OUCC and IURC Outreach Follow-Up
Today, we reached out to additional contacts at the OUCC and IURC regarding our investigation into extended power outages and the impact they have on Indiana residents. We have not yet received a response from the original contacts we reached out to, so we expanded our outreach to other representatives within these agencies to continue seeking information and answers.
Among the questions we asked were:
If a storm causes the initial outage, but a utility's restoration priorities determine which customers remain without power for extended periods, what is the distinction between losses caused by the storm and losses resulting from the utility's restoration process?
In Indiana, how are below-the-line shareholder-funded customer programs typically established? Are they the result of settlement negotiations, proposed by utilities, or another method?
These are just some of the questions we submitted. Continue to check back for updates as we receive responses.
august
20
2026
Created a petition on change.org
Following the widespread power outages that began on August 11, we have launched a petition calling for greater accountability and reimbursement for food lost during extended power outages.
Don’t Muzzle the Ox is also closely monitoring NIPSCO’s restoration efforts and the response to the outages. We will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as developments unfold.
View Our Petitionaugust
25
2026
reached out the indiana governor’s office
We’ve reached out to members of the Indiana Governor’s Office seeking assistance in securing reimbursement for customers who lost food during the extended August 11 power outage.
august
25
2026
reached out directly to abby gray- commissioner of the oucc
We’ve reached out to the OUCC (Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor) Commissioner seeking assistance in securing reimbursement for customers who lost food during the extended August 11 power outage.
august
25
2026
reached out directly to Anthony swinger- chairman of the iurc
We’ve reached out to the IURC (Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission) Chairman seeking assistance in securing reimbursement for customers who lost food during the extended August 11 power outage.
august
27
2026
oucc additional outreach & public update
We reached out to an additional contact at the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) seeking assistance to help get customers reimbursement for food losses from the August 11 power outages. We also posted a new public video update outlining our position that we believe NIPSCO was negligent and that its actions contributed to the outages. We also believe the utility failed to exercise reasonable diligence in restoring power within a reasonable time. We will continue working to seek reimbursement for customers who experienced food loss.
Watch the videoAbout us.
WHAT
A public advocacy initiative by Corepark.
WE DO
We identify problems that affect everyday people and work to find solutions.
HOW
We share stories, investigate issues, and advocate for policy and legislative change.
WE INVESTIGATE
Government entities, and taxpayer-funded organizations.
OUR MOTTO
WHAT HAPPENS TO ONE. HAPPENS TO ALL.
© 2026 Corepark.