NiSource Inc. has extended its $74/share ($6.1 billion) tenderoffer for all of the outstanding common stock of Columbia Energyuntil midnight EST on Feb. 11. despite seeing little change in thenumber of shares tendered or the reaction of Columbia since itraised its offer in October. It said that so far Columbiashareholders have tendered 49,645,081 shares, or about 61% of allColumbia’s outstanding stock. Columbia’s management has repeatedlyrejected a merger with NiSource, and currently is evaluating alloptions, including a sale of all or part of the company.

Virginia Power sent out a request Friday for bids to supply 850 MWof electricity between 2001 and 2002. The bid solicitation seeks 700MW of power in June 2001 and 150 MW starting June 2002. Bids that willbe evaluated are for unit capacity, supplies from other utilities anddemand side management programs. All bids are due Jan. 17,2000. Copies of the request for proposal may be obtained by faxingyour request to Gary L. Edwards at 804-771-3005, or sending it byemail togary_edwards@vapower.com.

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