MERRILLVILLE – NiSource Inc., the parent company for Northern Indiana Public Service Co., reported a 5.8 percent increase in revenue last year. Earnings were $299.1 million, up from $282.6 million in 2010.

CEO Robert Skaggs Jr. said he expects earnings to continue to climb in 2012.

NiSource said it will increase its capital budget to $1.4 billion, up from $1.1 billion last year to complete environmental upgrades at the R.M. Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield. In addition, the utility plans to spend $270 million on new high-voltage transmission lines.