LAPORTE, Ind. AP – Northern Indiana Public Service Co. has agreed to refund $33.5 million to electric customers as part of a settlement after LaPorte County challenged how it charges for power it buys on the open market.

If the settlement is approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, a typical NIPSCO customer would receive a $5 credit on their bills in February, March and April for a total refund of $15, NIPSCO spokeswoman Colleen Reilly said.