Issuu

Volume 88, Issue 4

July/August 2026

Deb Foster Receives Healthy Citizen Award TRUSTEES

Dennis E. Bland, President Brian Williams, Vice President Mel Raines, Secretary Carole Casto Jamie Merisotis

DIRECTORS

Maria M. Quintana, Chair Jeffrey Good, Vice Chair Christia Hicks, Treasurer Daniel C. Appel, Secretary Tracy E. Barnes J.A. Lacy Adam Reuille Eric Scroggins Nichole C. Wilson

OPERATING MANAGEMENT Jeffrey A. Harrison

President & Chief Executive Officer

Craig Jackson

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Sabine Karner

Vice President & Controller

Abed Darwish

Vice President Information Technology

Joseph M. Perkins, Jr.

Senior Vice President & General Counsel

Joseph Sutherland

Vice President Regulatory & External Affairs

Jodi Whitney

Vice President Human Resources & Chief People Officer

Jeff Willman

Senior Vice President, Operations

Ed Bukovac Vice President Water Operations

J.P. Ghio

Vice President Energy Operations

Melissa Lawson

Vice President Customer Operations

Sara Mamuska-Morris

Vice President Capital Programs & Engineering

COMPANY VISION:

Enhance the well-being of our customers, communities, and employees by providing unparalleled service now and for generations to come.

COMPANY MISSION:

We fulfill the Promise of the Trust to provide essential utility services for our customers and communities, maintain the lowest possible rates with sound financial management, and create the greatest long-term benefit through a unique business structure.

ENGAUGE

Engauge is published by Citizens Energy Group and is distributed to the company’s employees and retireesas well as to other interested parties upon request. Ideas, comments, or suggestions from readers on how this publication might better serve you can be emailed to Internal Communication Lead Adam Lowe at alowe@ citizensenergygroup.com.

Deb Foster, Accounts Payable Specialist, has received the Healthy Citizen Award for her commitment to personal health and well-being. Through determination, consistency, and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, she has transformed not only her health but also her everyday life. Her journey is a powerful reminder that small, intentional choices can lead to extraordinary results. We are proud to celebrate her success and are grateful that she has shared her inspiring story in her own words. “One year ago, on July 6, 2025, I made the decision to completely change the way I thought about food— and that decision has changed my life. Since then, I’ve lost 50 pounds by committing to a healthier lifestyle. Our grocery cart looks very different now, with no potato chips, bread, pasta, or other highcarb foods coming into our home. My husband, Mark Foster, embraced the lifestyle change alongside me, and having that support has made a tremendous difference. The results have been incredible. My doctor has taken me completely off my blood pressure medication and my daily insulin because I no longer need them. At one point, my A1C was over 10. Today, it’s 5.3. Even my doctor has been amazed by the transformation. For me, it all comes down to having the right attitude and making a consistent, lasting lifestyle change. Beyond the numbers, I simply feel so much better. My knees hurt less, I have more energy, and I can walk farther and move more easily without becoming short of breath. I’ve gone from wearing size 16–18 clothing to a size 12, and from an XXL to a medium or large. I’m still working toward my goals, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve had to buy a whole new wardrobe, and my rings are so loose they fall off—but those are changes I’m happy to celebrate. The biggest victories are often the little things I once took for granted: crossing my legs comfortably, tying my shoes with ease, and working in the yard without struggling. Those everyday moments remind me just how much this journey has changed my life. I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made and excited to continue building a healthier future, one day at a time.” A Healthy Citizen is an individual nominated by a coworker who believes they have made a significant wellness achievement and should be recognized for their accomplishments. Winners are recognized in Engauge and receive a monetary award. Examples of a significant wellness achievement: • Accomplishes significant health improvement • Actively participates in onsite events and programs • Supports and encourages healthy behaviors • Models a healthy lifestyle • Participates in community events related to health and wellness

ON THE COVER

The River City Citizens team poses during a rainy Corporate Challenge, held on June 26.

Editor:

Adam Lowe

Scan this QR code to submit your nomination

Contributors:

Susan Harris Melissa Hehmann Staci Turner Terri Zaichek

Graphic Arts:

Wayne Stohs Joel Bustamante

Engauge - July/August 2026

Editor’s Note: Douglas Roudebush was not included in our Celebrating 2025 Retirees issue. Douglas retired from Citizens in March 2025 after 25 years of service. He began his Citizens career at Underground Storage in 2000 as an Oilfield Pumper and retired as a Field Attendant.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Yvonne Perkins Legacy Fund Golf Outing September 8 Every September, golfers gather at the Eagle Creek Golf Club to honor the late Yvonne Perkins and raise scholarship funds in her honor. Yvonne Perkins, who passed away in 2016, was a servant leader; a distinguished alumna of Indianapolis Public Schools and Butler University; a longtime Citizens Energy Group executive; and a tireless advocate for improving the quality of life in Indianapolis. As a tribute to her memory, the Fund continues impactful workforce development initiatives, enhancing access to meaningful educational and career opportunities while specifically reducing disparities for communities including veterans and members of reentry programs. For More Information, Email Tracey Black: tblack@citizensenergygroup.com

State of the Trust September 17 Citizens Energy Group’s annual State of the Trust address will be held at Nine13sports. Hosted by Jeffrey Harrison, President & CEO, as well as Citizens executive leadership, State of the Trust celebrates the close of the fiscal year and looks forward to the year ahead. State of the Trust is open to all Leadership Forum attendees, with a video recap and Talking Points shared via iTrust after the event.

For More Information, Email Adam Lowe: alowe@citizensenergygroup.com

Community Resource Day

Community Resource Day October 3 In Central Indiana, more than 244,000 households are impoverished or at risk of poverty. Many members of our community lack access to essential resources, services, and information. Community Resource Day is an opportunity for our neighbors to easily engage with community organizations, local businesses, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and more. The goal is to connect Central Indiana residents to the resources they need to thrive. The event features food, fun, freebies, and so much more! For More Information, Email Kenya McMillin: kmcmillin@citizensenergygroup.com

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS 3 R D

A N N U A L

SUPPLIER ENGAGEMENT

EXPO Third Annual Supplier Engagement Expo October 29 Citizens Energy Group’s Supply Chain team, in collaboration with a cross-functional team, will once again host the annual Supplier Engagement Expo on October 29. The Expo will be held at Indiana Black Expo Headquarters, 601 N. Shortridge Rd. The headquarters hosts year-round youth programming, leadership initiatives, and performing arts.. The event serves as a powerful platform to foster inclusive growth, navigate change, and strengthen supplier relationships.

More Important Dates:

Upcoming Trainings

September is Hispanic Heritage Month

Emotional Intelligence September 10

September is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Situational Leadership II September 15-16

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Leadership Challenge (Pre-Session Required) September 24, 29

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Citizens Holiday: Labor Day September 1 Customer Service Week October 5-9

Described as “Indiana’s Biggest Company Outing,” tens of thousands of Central Indiana professionals braved the rain to participate in this year’s Corporate Challenge, presented by Indiana Sports Corp. Citizens is proud to sponsor the event as well as be a part of the incredible 60,000+ turnout, with more than 40 employees stepping up to represent the Trust. This year, Citizens partnered with Frank’s Paddlesports Livery and partcipated as the River City Citizens – a celebration of the White River, and a play on Frank’s Make Indy a River City motto. And represent we did! Citizens earned multiple podium finishes: • 1st Place in Soccer Shootout • 2nd Place in Obstacle Course Relay • 3rd Place in Football Accuracy Throw A special congratulations to Allison Walker, Engineer II, for her top finishes, including first place in the half-mile run for females 29 and under, and second place in the 5K for females 29 and under! This year’s participation wasn’t just about competition; it was about community, camaraderie, and celebrating wellness and teamwork. The energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship shown by our team were truly inspiring. All participants were able to earn up to 75 wellness points for participating in the events this year. Justin Burnett, Supervisor of AMR & Meter Shop, shared, “It was a privilege to serve as co-captain alongside Shannon Frederick and Alex Haberfield as Citizens again participated in the Indiana Sports Corp Corporate Challenge. From planning and recruitment to navigating rain and high humidity on event day, it was incredibly rewarding to help create a memorable and engaging experience for our employees from start to finish.” Sara Mamuska-Morris, VP Capital Programs and Engineering, recounted past Corporate Challenge events and what it looks like to return: “I participated in Corporate Challenge early in my career at Citizens and I always enjoyed the camaraderie and the spirit of competition. It was so wonderful to see that same spirit alive and well.” A huge thank you to everyone who participated, cheered, and supported our return to the Challenge. Let’s carry this momentum forward and aim even higher next year! Engauge - July/August 2026

Management Essentials October 7 Emotional Intelligence Master Class October 22

Training questions?Email Breanne Fite: bfite@citizensenergygroup.com

Citizens Energy Group Represents at Corporate Challenge

Building Trust October 1

CITIZENS FOR GOOD A recent back-to-school drive in the Haughville neighborhood received a boost from Citizens Energy Group employees and community partners who provided 500 backpacks filled with school supplies for students at Matchbook Learning at IPS Wendell Phillips School 63. The effort began after Citizens employees saw a local news story highlighting a Haughville church collecting backpacks and supplies for neighborhood children. Haughville is adjacent to a Citizens-targeted Neighborhood Ambassador Program area, and the neighborhood is closely connected to the White River and Belmont Beach, where Citizens has made significant environmental investments through efforts such as DigIndy. It was a chance to show up for families in a neighborhood where our work, partnerships, and people continue to make a difference. Through a partnership with Indy Hygiene Hub, Citizens was able to respond quickly by helping secure the backpacks and school supplies needed to support the church’s efforts. Early on the morning of July 16, volunteers from the Citizens Shared Field Services team packed 500 backpacks before helping deliver them to the church for distribution to students and families. The volunteer effort, though completed in just a few hours, is expected to make a meaningful difference for families preparing for the start of the school year. The project serves as a reflection of the broader Citizens commitment to community stewardship and neighborhood engagement. For students, a backpack filled with school supplies can help ease the transition into a new academic year and serve as a tangible reminder that their community believes in them and wants them to succeed. The effort also demonstrates the impact that can result when employees, community partners, and neighborhood-focused initiatives work together toward a shared purpose. This effort also showcases two of Citizens strategic initiatives in action: • Strategic Initiative 71 – Building stronger grassroots relationships with trusted community organizations serving our neighborhoods. • Strategic Initiative 81 – Deepening community engagement by supporting local families through educationfocused efforts. Thanks to all the Citizens employees who came out to help with this project: Jacob Alexander, Owen Brazil, Chrissy Bruns, Josh Fanning, Shannon Frederick, Vanessa Gamble, J.P. Ghio, Justin Gipson, Shelby Hartman, Zane Hill, Rachel Holsinger, Keith Legge, Sam Manion, Jessi Meadows, Nick Payton, Josh Puckett, Kenny Stribling, and Walter Wynn.

Engauge - July/August 2026

CELEBRATING

OUR

2026 GRADUATES Giyhanna Anderson, granddaughter of Theresa White, Gas Controller I, graduated from Franklin Central High School. She is working part-time as a medical assistant while attending IUPUI to become a pediatric nurse.

Darren Baker, Manager Health and Safety, graduated from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law with a Master of Legal Studies.

Benjamin Baird, Senior Distribution Dispatcher, graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with an Associate of Science. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree.

Wyatt Burton, son of Jennifer Burton, Financial Business Applications Analyst, graduated from Indian Creek High School. Wyatt will attend Ivy Tech Columbus to pursue a welding technical certificate and associate degree.

Santiago Cutchin, son of Marco Cutchin, Director of Business Solutions, graduated from Bishop Chatard High School. He will attend the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington.

Elliot Dearing, son of Nick Dearing, Engineer IV, completed home schooling and earned his high school diploma, and is now pursuing an associate degree from Ivy Tech in HVAC technology.

Ethan Duke, nephew of Jenny Maher, Technical Specialist II Gas, and brother of Caleb Duke, Utility Service Specialist, graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Ethan plans to attend graduate school to pursue an advanced degree in Athletic Training.

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C E L E B R AT I N G O U R 2 0 2 6 G R A D U AT E S

Drew Gerardot, son of Tim Gerardot, Performance Excellence Manager, graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Drew is currently working as an Industrial Engineer for Medline in Chicago.

Scott Griffith, Safety Specialist, graduated from Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Scott has been accepted into Indiana University’s safety management master’s program in the School of Public Health and will begin work toward his degree this fall.

Julia Hyde, daughter of Terri Zaichek, Compensation and Benefits Specialist, graduated from Indiana University Indianapolis with a Bachelor of Science in public affairs, minoring in public safety management. Julia joined the Indiana Department of Homeland Security in February as an Exercise Program Manager and plans to return to IU this spring to pursue her master’s degree.

Lucynda Jones, daughter of Michael Jones, Customer Support Specialist II, graduated with honors from the Vet Tech Institute of Indiana. She plans to continue her education in the veterinary medicine field.

Aidan Keith, son of Nicole Keith, Manager Accounting and Financial Analysis, graduated from Plainfield High School and plans to pursue a degree in business management at Indiana University Indianapolis.

Jacob Koiro, son of Dan Koiro, Manager Instrumentation and Electrical Thermal, graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science in game design. Jacob plans to pursue a career in the gaming industry to develop the next generation of video games.

Riley Maher, daughter of Jenny Maher, Technical Specialist II Gas, graduated from Indiana University Indianapolis with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drawing and illustration, and a minor in graphic design. She plans to pursue a job in the graphic design field.

Dylan Miner, son of Lance Miner, Safety Specialist, graduated from Greenwood Community High School with academic honors and as an inductee of the national honor society Quill and Scroll. Dylan will major in finance at Butler University.

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C E L E B R AT I N G O U R 2 0 2 6 G R A D U AT E S

Tobias Noel, son of Beth Noel, Environmental Specialist III, graduated from Ben Davis High School. He will attend Purdue University this fall.

Damika Orea, Customer Support Associate, graduated from Indiana State University with a Master of Public Administration. Damika wants to use her degree to support her career growth at Citizens, where she is particularly interested in environmental safety and community impact.

Noemi Oropeza, daughter of Nuyem Oropeza, Customer Support Specialist II, graduated from Indiana University Indianapolis with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Noemi also holds an associate degree and is working toward her master’s degree.

Gianna Peerman, daughter of Angela Guynn, Payroll Specialist, graduated from North Central High School. She is studying accounting with a focus on forensic accounting and a minor in history at University of Cincinnati. Angela’s niece and past Citizens intern, Marissa Bardo, graduated from Marian University with a Bachelor of Science in communications. Marissa is now working in public relations and marketing.

Parker Reece, son of Systems Engineer II Tom Reece, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in computer science from Concordia University. Parker is completing an independent study program while working part-time as a meter reader for Citizens and plans to relocate to Louisiana as he pursues his career.

Javontae Shaffner, grandson of Tahira Douthit, Customer Support Specialist I, graduated from Ben Davis High School. He plans to pursue a career in the HVAC/electrical field.

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C E L E B R AT I N G O U R 2 0 2 6 G R A D U AT E S

Carter Stahley, son of Shannon Stahley, Director of Corporate and Public Affairs, graduated from Center Grove High School with honors. Carter will attend Indiana University Bloomington this fall.

Jackson Terry, son of Greg Terry, Steam & Chilled Water Distribution Foreman, graduated from Ball State University with a degree in media promotion and management. His goal is to work with a professional sports team or in the sports industry.

Lily Thomas, daughter of Matt Thomas, Director Plant Engineering, graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science in biology, and she is pursuing a career in lab research.

Eva Valle, daughter of Alex Valle, Senior Legal Counsel, graduated from North Central High School with honors. She will study criminology at Indiana University Bloomington. Alex’s son Benjamin graduated from Bellarmine University with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and is now enrolled in their Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Benjamin married his longtime girlfriend in July.

Jasmyne Williams, daughter of Valarie Williams, Customer Support Specialist II, graduated from Avon High School and will attend Ivy Tech in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Engauge - May/June 2026

Benefits Corner

Take Advantage

of the Northwind Diabetes Clinical Blueprint Program Managing diabetes can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a reminder, Citizens is proud to offer the Northwind Diabetes Clinical Blueprint Program to employees, retirees, and covered family members enrolled in the Citizens medical plan. This program provides personalized support and resources to help participants better manage their diabetes while improving convenience and reducing costs. Program Highlights • No out-of-pocket cost for eligible diabetes medications and supplies • Home delivery of medications, making it easier to stay on track with your treatment plan • Ongoing monitoring of key health metrics to help improve and maintain your overall health Ready to Enroll? Call Northwind at 317-522-1637 and press option 3 to connect with a program representative. If you or a covered dependent have diabetes, we encourage you to explore this valuable benefit and take advantage of the support available through Northwind.

Don’t Forget to Claim Your Wellness Benefit! If you are enrolled in Critical Illness and/or Accident Insurance through Boston Mutual, Guardian, or Unum, you may be eligible for a wellness benefit paid directly to you. By completing a covered preventive wellness screening—such as an annual physical with your healthcare provider—you may qualify for a cash benefit: • Critical Illness Insurance: $75 wellness benefit • Accident Insurance: $50 wellness benefit Not Sure If You’re Enrolled? You can review your current coverage by logging in to ceg.bswift.com or by checking your pay stub. Important: Employees enrolled with Guardian must be covered under Accident Plan 2 to be eligible for the wellness benefit. How to File a Claim Claim forms are available on the Human Resources iTrust page under Benefits. Forms can also be found in the bswift Resource Library under Benefits. Don’t leave money on the table! If you’ve completed a qualifying wellness exam or screening this year, be sure to submit your claim and take advantage of this valuable benefit.

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Benefits Corner WELL POINTS REMINDER

There’s Still Time to Earn Your

2027 HSA Contribution! Have you started earning your Healthy Citizens Well Points yet? If not, there’s still time! The Healthy Citizens Well Points Program rewards employees and spouses for making health and wellness a priority. Participants can earn points by completing a variety of healthy activities, including the following: • Annual wellness exams with your primary care provider • Dental exams • Preventive screenings • Vaccinations • Health coaching sessions • Online webinars • Wellness challenges and more! Don’t Miss Out! To qualify for the 2027 Citizens HSA contribution, participants must earn the following Well Points by December 31: • Employees: Earn 1,000 Well Points to receive a Citizens HSA contribution of: ◦ $1,000 for Employee Only Medical Coverage ◦ $2,000 for Employee + One or More Dependents Medical Coverage • Spouses: Earn 250 Well Points to receive a $250 Citizens HSA contribution Get Started Today Track your progress and complete eligible activities by logging into the Wellness Portal at ceg.medikeeper.com or by downloading the Alaveda App for MediKeeper on your mobile device. For more information on the Well Points Program scan the QR code. Invest in your health today—and earn rewards for doing so!

Employees and spouses can stay up to date on benefit changes, deadlines, and more with Citizens Connect. Scan the QR code to create your own account. Go to Settings and add your phone number or email address to get started.

Engauge Engauge - July/August - May/June 2026

Successful

Whitestown Water

Acquisition and Integration

Exemplifies Cross-Functional Collaboration The purchase and integration of the Town of Whitestown’s Water Utility into Citizens Water was recently completed on May 19. The closing of this purchase is the culmination of four years of effort by hundreds of people throughout the organization to ultimately welcome nearly 6,300 new water customers into the Citizens family. In 2022, Whitestown approached Citizens regarding possible interest in acquiring their water utility. Whitestown is just west of the existing Citizens service territory in Boone County and is one of the fastest growing communities in Indiana. Citizens had already provided 100 percent of Whitestown’s water under a wholesale agreement since 2008, making this acquisition a natural fit. Citizens formed an evaluation team which determined that there were sufficient operational and financial benefits to our existing customers in acquiring the Whitestown system. Team members involved with assessing the potential acquisition included: Sara Mamuska-Morris (team lead), Ed Bukovac (team lead), John Trypus, David Peck, Justin Redman, Jeff Sinclair, Tom Price, Lauren Toppen, Alex Valle, Debi Bardhan-Akala, Jennifer Bailey, Mike Allen, Steve Berube, and Korlon Kilpatrick.

TIMELINE • Initial discussions and vetting: 2022-2023 • Negotiations: 2024-2025 • Non-binding letter of intent: March 2025 • Due diligence: March-May 2025 • Public outreach: June-August 2025 • Asset purchase agreement approvals: August 2025 • Joint petition for Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approval: October 1, 2025 • Integration preparation: September 2025-June 2026 • IURC order: March 31, 2026 • Public outreach: May-June 2026 • Closing: May 19, 2026 • First Citizens bill: June 9, 2026

WHITESTOWN ACQUISITION BY THE NUMBERS • $37 million purchase price • 6,278 customers • 2 booster pump stations • 2 elevated storage tanks • 3 Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) antennas • 99 miles of water main • 1,138 hydrants • 1,909 valves • 1.7 million gallons of water per day (MGD) average day demand

12 Engauge - July/August 2026

Then in September 2025, a cross-functional integration team was formed by sponsors Craig Jackson, Joe Perkins, Joe Sutherland, and Jeff Willman. Jeff Ford and Steve Berube led the team, which was composed of functional area leads and subject matter experts including Jennifer Bailey, Shannon Stahley, Korlon Kilpatrick, Lynn LaFara, Misty Douglas, Becky Schaefer, Alex Valle, Crit Crabtree, Andy Lutz, Ann McIver, Phil Zbonjniewicz, Justin Redman, Scott Miller, Chris Kehl, Dan Moran, Danny Powers, Tim Gerardot, Scott Leavitt, and Madison England. Within these functional areas, more than 100 others provided significant contributions to ensure the integration occurred seamlessly (please see table). Accounting

Billing and Customer Service

Phil Zbojniewicz Ann Shutters Camela Johnson Courtney Trickle Jennifer Burton

Jeff Ford Alex Cleveland Grant Vogel Haeli Downs Randy Rollins Brian Worland Jacob Larrison Priya Naik Stephanie Aguero Taylor Siebers Erika Maldonado John Meehan

OT/IT Scott Miller Marco Cutchin Jake Ford Joel Allen Cameron Patterson Sean Wilson Zachary Mchone Greg Guntle Stacy Caldwell Andrew Gibson Ted Wagner Ali Zadeh

Real Estate

Chris Kehl Katrina Schaler

Corporate & Public Affairs

Shannon Staley Laura O'Brien Alex Haberfield Ben Easley

CP&E/P&TS

Environmental

Human Resources

Legal

Andy Lutz Christina Bowers John Trypus Matt Thomas Heather Taylor

Ann McIver Cheryl Carlson Erica Duncan Jennifer Gill Kari Maxwell Mark Gray Mark Ringham Michael Watson Mike Jones Nathaniel Berg

Misty Douglas Latrice Stafford

Alex Valle Lauren Toppen

Treasury

Water Operations

Jennifer Bailey Brandon Nettrouer Patience Bako

Dan Moran Greg Thompson Ron Moore Tim Bedgood Doug Payton Harry Harris Stuart Donaldson Breann Cooper Matt Gozun Jim Allen Nate Schiller Bob Edwards Randy Scott Jr. Richard Clevenger Kyle Bowling

Security

Shared Field Services

Crit Crabtree Alana Gessert Lavashia Primus Andrew Merder Austen Burris Eric Buntain

Justin Redman Lynn LaFara Joe Anthis Justin Burnett Amy Danbury Keith Legge Luke Long Gary Young Melissa Lawson Morgan Willsey Nick Baker Rachel Foster Rick Faulk

Supply Chain

Becky Schaefer Arlene Jeffers Brian Hedge Carol Traylor Dane Gretter Jason Clark Jessica Sharp Josiah Pheuisomphou Kris Lang Latasha Stewart Susan Unversaw

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WELCOMING LAPEL to the Citizens Family

When Citizens Energy Group officially acquired the Town of Lapel's natural gas utility system at the beginning of August, it marked the culmination of months of collaboration, planning, and partnership. More importantly, it represented the beginning of a new chapter for approximately 850 customers who will now receive natural gas service from Citizens Gas of Westfield, part of the Citizens family. The acquisition, approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) on June 3, expands Citizens natural gas service territory into Madison County and reinforces the organization's commitment to delivering safe, reliable utility service throughout Central Indiana. The transition also reflects our ongoing mission as a public charitable trust—serving communities for the benefit of customers rather than shareholders. While the approval itself was an important milestone, employees across the organization know the real work began long before the final order was issued. Teams from Gas Operations, Customer Operations, Information Technology, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Corporate & Public Affairs, and many other departments worked together to prepare for the transition. Their efforts included supporting regulatory filings, developing customer communications, conducting community outreach, integrating systems and processes, preparing service and billing operations, and helping ensure customers have the information they need for a smooth transition to Citizens service. "The integration of the Lapel natural gas distribution system illustrates the power of cross-departmental collaboration in achieving our strategic objectives," said Ben Warren, Director Gas Transmission & Distribution. “Months of collaboration and planning went into this project to deliver lasting customer value and welcome a new community into the Citizens family.” 14 Engauge - July/August 2026

For Lapel customers, the benefits extend beyond a change in ownership. Citizens brings extensive operational expertise, resources, and experience managing one of the region’s largest natural gas distribution systems. Our utility serves hundreds of thousands of natural gas customers across Central Indiana and is recognized for maintaining a safe and reliable utility network. Customers will gain access to Citizens customer service tools, assistance programs, and operational capabilities while continuing to receive the natural gas service they depend upon every day. The relationship that led to the acquisition was years in the making. Citizens and Lapel had engaged in discussions about opportunities to work together long before the town began exploring options for the future of its natural gas utility. Those conversations intensified following significant natural gas market volatility experienced in winter 2021. Both organizations recognized that a long-term partnership could help provide additional operational stability and value for customers in the years ahead. The system itself is a meaningful addition to the Citizens service footprint. Lapel’s natural gas network serves customers throughout the community and includes an extensive distribution system consisting of gas mains, service lines, valves, meters, and related infrastructure. Much of the system has been modernized over the past several decades, creating a strong foundation for continued service and future growth. In the coming months, customers in Lapel will continue to see the transition take shape as Citizens assumes day-to-day responsibilities for serving the community. The first customer bills under Citizens are expected to be issued in September, and employees across multiple departments remain focused on helping customers understand the change and know where to turn with questions. This customer-first approach has already included public presentations, informational materials, and outreach efforts designed to make the transition as seamless as possible. For Citizens employees, the Lapel acquisition is about more than expanding a service territory. It reflects the organization’s ability to leverage its expertise, resources, and collaborative culture to create long-term value for communities across Central Indiana. Just as importantly, it demonstrates how employees from across the company continue to work together to advance the Citizens mission and strengthen the relationships that have defined the organization for nearly 140 years. As Citizens welcomes Lapel customers, employees can take pride in the role they played in building that future—one that is grounded in safety, reliability, community, and the belief that utility service should always be delivered with customers’ best interests at heart. Ben Warren and Steve Griffin, Manager Gas System Integrity, are co-leaders of the cross-functional team, which includes:

Accounting

Billing and Customer Service

Corporate & Public Affairs

CP&E

Legal

OT/IT

Regulatory Affairs

Nicole Keith

Erin O’Leary Randy Rollins Jeff Ford Jacob Larrison Betzy Gonzalez Tia Rawlings

Ben Easley Shannon Stahley

Richard Calvert Tom Laue

Alex Valle

Scott Miller

Debi Bardhan-Akala

SFS & Meter Services

Gas Operations & Supply

Treasury

Supply Chain

Real Estate

Human Resources

Environmental

Security

Justin Redman Lynn LaFara Joe Anthis

Jim Bennett John Eddington Steve Griffin Mike Bartone

Jennifer Bailey

Carol Traylor

Chris Kehl

Misty Douglas

Ann McIver

Crit Crabtree

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VOICES of the

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Owning the Customer Experience is a cornerstone of Citizens success, and it is vital to fulfilling our promise as a Public Charitable Trust. We are thrilled to offer this column, Voices of the Customer Experience, dedicated to shining a spotlight on employees who strive to ensure our customers – both external and internal – receive the best experience possible. Their commitment, hard work, and passion for excellence not only drive our business forward but also create a positive and lasting impact on everyone with whom they interact. Join us in celebrating these outstanding individuals who truly embody the spirit of Citizens! Want to celebrate an employee who has delivered an exceptional customer experience? Leave an impression on Citizens Success Academy, or email Adam Lowe at alowe@citizensenergygroup.com.

Kelly Kay CUSTOMER SUPPORT ASSOCIATE

“Kelly was a billing expert and she blessed me more than she could ever know. She is the best part of Citizens, caring in a noncaring world and was quick to help me with something I did not know was possible. Thank you Kelly!” – Google Rating submitted by a Citizens customer.

CATEGORY LEAD

“I would like to recognize and thank Alex Brunt for the outstanding support he provided while I was on PTO. As my backup in Supply Chain, Alex stepped in seamlessly after we reviewed several high-priority items prior to my departure. During my absence, Alex demonstrated a strong sense of ownership and urgency, particularly in supporting the Cyber Physical System RFP. When questions were received from an RFP participant, he quickly engaged the appropriate stakeholders and helped ensure responses were provided in a timely manner, keeping the process moving forward without disruption. Beyond that, Alex effectively filled in on several other responsibilities and consistently demonstrated a high level of customer focus and commitment to service. His willingness to step up, stay engaged, and provide dependable support made a significant difference while I was out of the office. Thank you again, Alex, for your dedication, professionalism, and support. Your efforts were greatly appreciated and did not go unnoticed.” – CSA Impression for Customer Focus from Bill Lovett, Category Lead.

Justin Burnett

Chad Flake

SUPERVISOR AMR AND METER SHOP

WASTEWATER AREA MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

“I wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank Justin for his outstanding support of the Corporate Challenge. The level of detail, planning, and thought he brought to the event was truly impressive. It was clear that every decision was made with the participant experience in mind, and his efforts played a significant role in ensuring everyone had a great experience. His professionalism, commitment, and willingness to go above and beyond were greatly appreciated. I would welcome the opportunity to work with him on any future event and am grateful for all he did to help make this one a success.” – CSA Impression for Collaborate from Shannon Frederick, Corporate Events and Philanthropy Coordinator. 16 Engauge - July/August 2026

Alex Brunt

“Chad has been extremely flexible with helping the collections side of wastewater conduct interviews. His support is extremely appreciated. Thank you, Chad!” – CSA Impression for Collaborate from Shannon Rogier, HR Generalist I.

Quality Corner

CLASS Belt Certifications Damage Pay Jobs Process • Project Leader: Tim Uhlmansiek (Water Distribution) • Executive Sponsor: Paul Dicken • Team Members: Madison England, Jim Allen • Tim’s project focused on overhauling the process for tracking and invoicing Water Distribution Damage Pay Jobs. The team developed a streamlined workflow that began with immediate email notifications when damage occurred, followed by the creation of dedicated job folders on SharePoint to centralize all documentation and billing information. Training was provided for all managers, inspectors, and on-call leaders, and a step-by-step guide was implemented to ensure everyone followed the new process. Regular monitoring and monthly reconciliations were established to maintain accuracy and completeness, with quality reviews and certification steps reinforcing the improvement. • Benefits: The percentage of pay jobs invoiced within 60 days of the incident increased dramatically from just 8 percent to 90 percent. Additionally, the occurrence of missing or unbilled damages was eliminated, dropping from 26 percent to zero, which significantly improved both billing timeliness and data integrity. Reduce Maintenance-Related Emergency Bypasses • Project Leader: Jared Garner (Wastewater Plant Operations) • Executive Sponsor: Chris Kennedy • Team Members: None • Jared’s project implemented an integrated solution combining engineering, SCADA, and process controls to prevent simultaneous calibration of redundant LFL analyzers on the same incinerator. This involved PLC logic and HMI graphic modifications that enforce mutual exclusion, provide clear operator feedback, and eliminate the root causes of maintenance-related emergency bypasses. The solution was validated through controlled testing and deployed during the spring outage in April 2026. As a result, all known operational emergency bypass conditions were removed, reducing downtime, corrective maintenance labor, compliance risk, and the likelihood of future emergency bypass events. • Benefits: The number of emergency bypasses, which was three in the past year, is now expected to be zero. This results in an estimated cost avoidance of $30,000, with the project costing $7,329, yielding net savings of $22,671. Gas Meter IURC Change & Test Sampling Improvements • Project Leader: Gabe Oslund (Energy Distribution Engineering) • Executive Sponsor: Nancy Conder • Team Members: John Eddington, George Reners, Justin Burnett • Gabe’s project improved gas meter sampling by developing a hybrid process that uses both MIL-STD-414 and MIL-STD105D standards. An automated Excel tool was created to evaluate each test group, allowing groups to start under MILSTD-414 and transition to MIL-STD-105D only if a failure occurs. This targeted approach reduced unnecessary sampling and balanced rejection risk, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. • Benefits: The hybrid approach achieved a 45 percent reduction in annual sample size, from 4,823 to 2,652 meters, eliminating 2,171 tests per year while maintaining 79.5 percent of test groups under the more efficient MIL-414 standard. Labor, time, and resource utilization were significantly reduced while maintaining quality control. Gravity Belt Thickener (GBT) Bypass • Project Leader: Jason Burton (Wastewater Plant Operations) • Executive Sponsor: Mike Zielinski • Team Members: None • Jason’s project improved equalization (EQ) tank level control by implementing a method to adjust the EQ2 valve, which significantly reduced the difference in sludge blanket levels between tanks. This new approach stabilized sludge density delivered to centrifuges, eliminated monthly density losses, and reduced the need for four large pumps, saving electrical power and maintenance. The process was validated through a successful trial and operational order, ensuring consistent results. • Benefits: A reduction in sludge blanket variance (from 55 percent to 14 percent of measurements exceeding a 2-foot difference), improved sludge density, and annual savings of approximately $75,000 in energy and maintenance costs.

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Quality Corner

ADVANCED YELLOW BELT Reduce Requisition Rework • Project Leader: Carol Traylor (Supply Chain) • Executive Sponsors: Becky Schaefer, Craig Jackson • Team Members: Kris Lang, Susan Unversaw, Bill Lovett, Meechelle Riley, Jason Clark, Camela Johnson, Tom Price, Steve Downing, Alex Brunt • Carol’s project streamlined the requisition process at Citizens by revising Oracle EBS workflows, adding user support tools, and developing targeted training for requisitioners and approvers. Work instructions and checklists were created and made accessible, and a new process for correcting errors was implemented, including standardized email notifications and tracking. The team also reduced the number of item types to simplify submissions and launched ongoing training initiatives for continuous improvement. These changes were rolled out with strong cross-functional collaboration and IT support. • Benefits: There was a 100 percent reduction in six of the eight most common requisition errors and a 28 percent reduction in returned requisitions, saving approximately 256 hours of correction time annually. The overall estimated reduction in wait time was 839 days per year, and 85 percent of requisitioners completed the new training within the first rollout phase.

Carol Traylor

Reduce Effluent Sample Contamination • Project Leader: Richard Hedge (Wastewater Plant Operations) • Executive Sponsor: Chris Kennedy • Team Members: Mark Powers, Dustin Abramson, Lee Friend • Richard’s project addressed recurring contamination in effluent samples by replacing an unreliable instrument with a simpler, in-house Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) test. Operators can now perform the test each shift for immediate detection, allowing the automatic sampler to be used more reliably and limiting manual sampling to contamination events only. A standard operating procedure was developed, operators were trained, and the new process was implemented to eliminate the need for daily manual sample collection. • Benefits: The measurable benefit is a reduction in operator and MCO labor by 1,835 hours annually, saving five hours per day and avoiding costly upgrades estimated at $75,000–$100,000. Industrial Pretreatment Program Processes • Project Leader: Jeff Guinn (Environmental Stewardship) • Executive Sponsor: Ann McIver • Team Members: Cheryl Carlson, Keaton Holsinger, Mckenzie Wiseman, Gillian Marks • Jeff’s project addressed inefficient and error-prone compliance tracking caused by manual data entry, fragmented records, and delays in determining compliance status. The team evaluated and tested several database solutions, then selected Klir for tracking, inspections, reporting, and electronic data transfer. They migrated historical data, built new inspection forms, trained staff, automated partner lab uploads, and implemented the system for compliance tracking by July 2025. • Benefits: Reduced staff time for data entry and compliance calculations by 20 hours per month, with another 50 hours per month expected once the user portal is complete. Reporting errors and compliance determination delays were eliminated in the latter half of 2025.

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Jeff Guinn

Quality Corner

Recently Completed Just Do It (JDI) Projects Just Do It projects are a great way to continuously improve a process when the solution is already known. This does not mean the project has to be quick or simple; it just does not go through the DMAIC process. Just Do It projects can still make a big impact on efficiency and savings. All completed Just Do It projects can be found on Quality’s CI Activities and Completed Projects page. • Benefits/Capital Credits Budget Submission – Christina Clark (Accounting) • Premise/Water Service Point Creation BOT – Krista Sinclair (Underground Engineering & Construction) • Chemical Management Process – Breann Campton (Water Quality) • Rebuild the FAC (Fuel Adjustment Clause) Schedules – Scott Killion (Regulatory & Governmental Affairs) • Union Code 2 Tracker Improvement – Shelby Hartman (Shared Field Services) • Union Bypass Process – Shelby Hartman (Shared Field Services)

NEW EMPLOYEES Darion Ballance

Siah Foley

Jessi Meadows

Asa Stevens

Corporate Support Services

Alizah Buchanan

Brian Goeckel

Emily Morical

Wyatt Waddell

Gas

Corporate Support Services

Lee Burns Corporate Support Services

Jamian Carver

Corporate Support Services

Jacob Casey Water

Van Coates Corporate Support Services

Kevin Davis Corporate Support Services

Kevin Drew Corporate Support Services

Antron Harris Corporate Support Services

Taylor Hedrick Corporate Support Services

Joshua Hill Corporate Support Services

Kaylyn Hill

Corporate Support Services

Montez Jones

Brandon Price

Corporate Support Services

Candace Roberson

Corporate Support Services

Braedyn White

Corporate Support Services

Armoni Shane

Daijon Willis

Corporate Support Services

Joshua Sipes

Jamel Wofford Steam

Corporate Support Services

Patrick Skillern

Corporate Support Services

Mark Lush

Bradley Smaldone

Corporate Support Services

Kenneth Washington Corporate Support Services

Wastewater

In Memoriam We are saddened to report the recent passing of four retirees. Nathaniel Allen on July 14, 2026. Nathaniel retired on August 1, 2014, after 26 years of service. Gary Koker on July 27, 2026. Gary retired on June 1, 2001, after 35 years of service. Earl Sargent on July 16, 2026. Earl retired on January 31, 1995, after 15 years of service. Richard Sturges on June 19, 2026. Richard retired on May 1, 1986, after 38 years of service.

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2020 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

SERVICE AWARDS July

Leah Mcmahon

Kyle Bodell

Jerome Mayden

Tommy Roper

35 Years Corporate Support Services

15 Years Corporate Support Services

25 Years Thermal

15 Years Gas

Daniel Decker

Kimberly Kindred

15 Years Corporate Support Services

Brian Maki

Jeremy Jones

10 Years Corporate Support Services

5 Years Thermal

August

Allan Ninneman 25 Years Water

Lynnoila Cooper

Richard Calvert

John Lamb

20 Years Corporate Support Services

15 Years Corporate Support Services

Gerardo Aguirre

Alton Cole

Adrianne Council

Tiffany Estes

Caleb Elliott

Warren Elliott

Jonathan Miller

10 Years Corporate Support Services

5 Years Gas

10 Years Water

5 Years Wastewater

10 Years Corporate Support Services

5 Years Gas

10 Years Corporate Support Services

Meechelle Riley

5 Years Corporate Support Services

Andrew Reed 15 Years Thermal

Jeff Guinn

10 Years Corporate Support Services

Sheryl Watts

5 Years Corporate Support Services

Zachary Cunningham 5 Years Water

Dana Catt 5 Years Gas