10-K 1 k74326e10vk.htm ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL YEAR END DECEMBER 31, 2002 e10vk
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

Commission file number 1-11607

DTE ENERGY COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     
Michigan   38-3217752
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
2000 2nd Avenue, Detroit, Michigan   48226-1279
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

313-235-4000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     
Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered

 
Common Stock, without par value, with contingent
preferred stock purchase rights
  New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges
     
8.75% Equity Security Units   New York Stock Exchange
     
8 5/8% Trust Preferred Securities*   New York Stock Exchange
     
7.8% Trust Preferred Securities **   New York Stock Exchange


*   Issued by MCN Financing II. The payments of dividends and payments on liquidation or redemption are guaranteed by DTE Energy.
 
**   Issued by DTE Energy Trust I. DTE Energy fully and unconditionally guarantees the payments of all amounts due on these securities to the extent DTE Energy Trust I has funds available for payment of such distributions.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

     None     

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer. Yes x No o

Based on the closing price on June 28, 2002, our most recently completed second quarter, the aggregate market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates was $7.5 billion.

At January 31, 2003, 167,662,916 shares of DTE Energy’s Common Stock, substantially all held by non-affiliates, were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information in DTE Energy Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders to be held April 17, 2003, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference to Part III (Items 10, 11, 12 and 13) of this Form 10-K.



 


Definitions
Forward-Looking Statements
Part I
Items 1 & 2. Business & Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Part III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Part IV
Item 14. Controls and Procedures
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule and Reports on Form 8-K
Signatures
Certifications
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chief Executive Officer Certification
Chief Financial Officer Certification


Table of Contents

DTE ENERGY COMPANY

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

             
        Page  
       
 
DEFINITIONS         1  
             
FORWARD-LOOKING            
STATEMENTS         3  
             
PART I            
     Items 1 & 2.   Business & Properties     4  
             
     Item 3.   Legal Proceedings     24  
             
     Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     24  
             
PART II            
     Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters     25  
             
     Item 6.   Selected Financial Data     26  
             
     Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     27  
             
     Item 7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     45  
             
     Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     46  
             
     Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     100  
             
PART III            
     Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     100  
             
     Item 11.   Executive Compensation     100  
             
     Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management     100  
             
     Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     100  
             
PART IV            
     Item 14   Controls and Procedures     101  
             
     Item 15.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule and Reports on Form 8-K     102  
             
SIGNATURES         107  
             
CERTIFICATIONS         108  

 


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Definitions

     
Bcf   Billion cubic feet
     
Company   DTE Energy Company and subsidiary companies
     
Coke and Coke Battery   Raw coal is heated to high temperatures in ovens to drive off impurities, leaving a carbon residue called coke. Coke is combined with iron ore to create a high metallic iron that is used to produce steel. A series of coke ovens configured in a module is referred to as a battery.
     
Customer Choice   Choice programs are statewide initiatives giving customers in Michigan the option to choose alternative suppliers for electricity and gas.
     
Detroit Edison   The Detroit Edison Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of DTE Energy Company) and subsidiary companies
     
Distributed Generation   Electric energy produced at or close to the point of use, in contrast to central station generation which generally produces electricity at large power plants and transmits and distributes power over long distances. Distributed generation includes fuel cells, small gas turbine engines called micro-turbines, and other devices capable of producing two kilowatts to one megawatt of power.
     
DTE Energy   DTE Energy Company, the parent of Detroit Edison and Enterprises
     
Enterprises   DTE Enterprises Inc. (successor to MCN Energy) and subsidiary companies
     
EPA   United States Environmental Protection Agency
     
FERC   Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
     
GCR   A gas cost recovery mechanism authorized by the MPSC that was reinstated by MichCon in January 2002, permitting MichCon to pass the cost of natural gas to its customers.
     
ITC   International Transmission Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of DTE Energy Company)
     
kWh   Kilowatthour
     
Mcf   Thousand cubic feet
     
MCN Energy   MCN Energy Group Inc. and subsidiary companies that were merged into Enterprises
     
MichCon   Michigan Consolidated Gas Company and subsidiary companies
     
MMcf   Million cubic feet of gas
     
MPSC   Michigan Public Service Commission
     
MW   Megawatt
     
MWh   Megawatthour
     
NRC   Nuclear Regulatory Commission
     
PSCR   A power supply cost recovery mechanism authorized by the MPSC that allowed Detroit Edison to recover through rates its fuel, fuel-related and purchased power electric expenses. The clause was suspended under Michigan’s restructuring legislation signed into law June 5, 2000, which lowered and froze electric customer rates.

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Section 29 tax credits   Tax credits as authorized under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code that are designed to stimulate investment in and development of alternate fuel sources.
     
Securitization   Detroit Edison financed specific stranded costs at lower interest rates through the sale of rate reduction bonds by a wholly owned special purpose entity, the Detroit Edison Securitization Funding LLC.
     
SFAS   Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
     
Stranded Costs   Costs incurred by utilities in order to serve customers in a regulated environment that are not expected to be recoverable if customers switch to alternative suppliers of electricity and gas.
     
Synfuels   The synthetic fuel process involves chemically modifying and binding particles of coal to produce a fuel that is used for power generation and coke production.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information presented herein includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future results to differ materially from those contemplated, projected, estimated or budgeted in such forward-looking statements. There are many factors that may impact forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the following:

  the effects of weather and other natural phenomena on operations and sales to customers;
 
  economic climate and growth in the geographic areas where we do business;
 
  environmental issues, including changes in the climate, and regulations;
 
  nuclear regulations and risks associated with nuclear operations;
 
  ability to utilize Section 29 tax credits or sell interests in facilities producing such credits;
 
  implementation of electric and gas Customer Choice programs;
 
  implementation of electric and gas utility restructuring in Michigan;
 
  employee relations;
 
  unplanned outages;
 
  access to capital markets and capital market conditions and other financing efforts which can be affected by credit agency ratings;
 
  the timing and extent of changes in interest rates;
 
  the level of borrowings;
 
  changes in the cost of fuel, purchased power and natural gas;
 
  effects of competition;
 
  impact of FERC and MPSC proceedings and regulations;
 
  contributions to earnings by non-regulated businesses;
 
  changes in federal or state tax laws and their interpretations, including the code, regulations, rulings, court proceedings and audits;
 
  ability to recover costs through rate increases;
 
  property insurance;
 
  the cost of protecting assets against or damage due to terrorism; and
 
  changes in accounting standards and financial reporting regulations.

New factors emerge from time to time. We cannot predict what factors may arise or how such factors may cause our results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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PART I

Items 1 & 2. Business & Properties

GENERAL

In 1995, DTE Energy incorporated in the state of Michigan. DTE Energy owns three regulated companies, Detroit Edison, the International Transmission Company (ITC) and MichCon, and numerous non-regulated subsidiaries engaged in energy marketing and trading, energy services, and various other electricity, coal and gas related businesses. DTE Energy is an exempt holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA) of 1935. DTE Energy and all of its subsidiary companies are exempt from the provisions of such Act, except Section 9 (a) (2) that relates to the acquisition of securities of public utility companies and Section 33 that relates to the acquisition of foreign (non-U.S.) utility companies.

Detroit Edison, incorporated in the state of Michigan in 1967, is a public utility subject to regulation by the MPSC and FERC. Detroit Edison is engaged in the generation, purchase, distribution and sale of electric energy to 2.1 million customers in a 7,600 square mile area in southeastern Michigan.

ITC, incorporated in the state of Michigan in 2000, is regulated by the FERC for rates, conditions of service and operations relating to the transmission of electricity. In January 2001, Detroit Edison transferred its transmission assets to ITC, then a wholly owned subsidiary of Detroit Edison. On May 31, 2001, Detroit Edison distributed 100% of the shares of ITC to DTE Energy. In December 2002, DTE Energy reached a definitive agreement to sell ITC. The sale closed on February 28, 2003. See Notes 4 and 21 for a further discussion of the ITC sale.

MichCon is a Michigan corporation organized in 1898. MichCon became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of DTE Energy in conjunction with the acquisition of MCN Energy (now referred to as Enterprises), which was completed on May 31, 2001. See Note 4 for a further discussion of the MCN Energy acquisition. MichCon is a natural gas utility subject to regulation by the MPSC. MichCon is engaged in the purchase, storage, transmission and distribution of natural gas to 1.2 million customers in a 14,700 square mile area throughout Michigan.

Our website is www.dteenergy.com. Available free of charge on our website is information such as previously filed reports with the SEC, press releases and other informational resources regarding DTE Energy and our subsidiaries. The information on our website is updated as soon as reasonably practicable. The information on our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this Form 10-K or any other filing we make with the SEC. Additionally, our previously filed reports and statements are also available at the SEC’s website: www.sec.gov.

References in this report to “we,” “us” and “our” are to DTE Energy and its subsidiaries, collectively.

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We operate our businesses through three strategic business units (Energy Resources, Energy Distribution and Energy Gas). The balance of our business consists of Corporate & Other. Based on this structure, we set strategic goals, allocate resources and evaluate performance. Each business unit has regulated and non-regulated operations, and contributed to DTE Energy’s 2002 diluted earnings per share of $3.83. See Note 19 — Segment and Related Information, for financial information by segment for the last three years. A discussion of each business follows.





ENERGY RESOURCES

Power Generation

Description

Power Generation comprises our regulated power generation business and plants within Detroit Edison. These plants are regulated by numerous federal and state governmental agencies, including the MPSC, NRC and the EPA. Electricity is generated from Detroit Edison’s numerous fossil plants, its hydroelectric pumped storage plant and its nuclear plant, and then sold principally throughout Michigan, the Midwest and Ontario, Canada. The electricity we produce is sold to four major classes of customers: residential, commercial, industrial and wholesale.

Weather, economic factors and electricity prices affect sales to customers. Our peak load and highest total system sales generally occur during the third quarter of the year driven by air conditioning and cooling-related demands. During 2002, sales to automotive and automotive-related customers accounted for approximately 13% of total Power Generation operating revenues. Power Generation sales are not dependent upon a limited number of customers. The loss of any one or a few customers is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Power Generation.

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Our power is generated from a variety of fuels and is supplemented with market purchases. The table below details our energy supply mix and average cost per unit:

                                                     
        2002             2001             2000          
       
           
           
         
(in Thousands of MWh)
                                               
Power Generated and Purchased
                                               
Power Plant Generation
                                               
 
Fossil
                                               
   
Coal
    37,381       64 %     38,424       69 %     40,039       67 %
   
Natural Gas
    1,414       2       1,283       2       1,667       3  
   
Other
    222       1       4             394       1  
 
Nuclear (Fermi 2)
    9,301       16       8,555       16       8,239       14  
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
    48,318       83       48,266       87       50,339       85  
Purchased Power
    9,807       17       7,482       13       8,877       15  
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
System Output
    58,125       100 %     55,748       100 %     59,216       100 %
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Average Unit Cost ($/MWh)
                                               
Generation (1)
  $ 12.53             $ 12.31             $ 12.78          
 
 
           
           
         
Purchased Power (2)
  $ 39.16             $ 78.24             $ 62.57          
 
 
           
           
         
Overall Average Unit Cost
  $ 17.02             $ 21.15             $ 20.24          
 
 
           
           
         


(1)   Represents fuel costs associated with power plants.
 
(2)   Includes amounts associated with hedging activities.

We expect an adequate supply of fuel and purchased power to meet our obligation to serve customers. We have short and long-term supply contracts for expected fuel and purchased power requirements as detailed in the following table:

                         
    2003  
   
 
    Contracted     Open  
Expected Supply  
   
 
Coal
            88 %     12 %
Natural Gas
            10 %     90 %
Purchased Power
            90 %     10 %

Detroit Edison’s generating capability is heavily dependent upon coal. The coal is purchased from various sources in different geographic areas under agreements that vary in both pricing and terms. Detroit Edison expects to obtain the majority of its coal requirements through long-term and medium-term contracts with the balance to be obtained through short-term agreements and spot purchases. Detroit Edison has contracts with eight coal suppliers for a total purchase of up to 29.6 million tons of low-sulfur western coal to be delivered from 2003 through 2006. Detroit Edison also has contracts with three suppliers for the purchase of approximately 4.0 million tons of Appalachian coal to be delivered from 2003 through 2005. These existing long-term coal contracts include provisions for price escalation as well as de-escalation. Given the geographic diversity of supply, Detroit Edison believes it can meet the expected generation requirements. We have long-term transportation contracts with companies to provide rail car and vessel services for delivery of purchased coal to our generating facilities.

We purchase power from other electricity generators, suppliers and wholesalers. These purchases supplement our generation capability to meet customer demand during peak cycles. For example, when high temperatures occur during the summer we require additional electricity to meet demand. This access to additional power is an efficient and economical way to meet our obligation to customers without increasing capital expenditures to build additional base-load power facilities.

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Regulation

Detroit Edison’s Power Generation business is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the MPSC. The MPSC issues orders pertaining to rates, recovery of certain costs, including the costs of generating facilities and regulatory assets, conditions of service, accounting and operating-related matters. Detroit Edison’s MPSC-approved rates charged to customers have historically been designed to allow for the recovery of costs, plus an authorized rate of return on our investments. The FERC regulates Detroit Edison with respect to financing authorization and wholesale electric activities. The NRC has regulatory jurisdiction over all phases of the operation, construction, licensing and decommissioning of Detroit Edison’s Fermi 2 nuclear plant.

Since 1996 there have been several important acts, orders, court rulings and legislative actions in the state of Michigan which affect our Power Generation operations. In 1996, the MPSC began an initiative designed to give all of Michigan’s electric customers added choices and the opportunity to benefit from lower electric generation costs resulting from competition. In 1998, the MPSC authorized the electric Customer Choice program that allowed for a limited number of customers to purchase electricity from suppliers other than their local utility. The local utility would continue to transport the electric supply to the customers’ facilities, thereby retaining distribution margins. The electric Customer Choice program was phased in over a three-year period, with all customers having the option to choose their electric supplier by January 2002.

In 2000, the Michigan Legislature enacted legislation that reduced electric rates by 5% and reaffirmed January 2002 as the date for full implementation of the electric Customer Choice program. This legislation also contained provisions freezing rates through 2003 and preventing rate increases for residential customers through 2005 and for small business customers through 2004. The legislation and an MPSC order issued in 2001 established a methodology to enable Detroit Edison to recover costs related to its generation operations (stranded costs) that may not otherwise be recoverable due to electric Customer Choice related lost sales and margins. The legislation also provides for the recovery of the costs associated with the implementation of electric Customer Choice. The MPSC has determined that these costs be treated as regulatory assets. Additionally, the legislation provides for recovery of costs incurred as a result of changes in taxes, laws and other governmental actions including the Clean Air Act.

Due to MPSC orders issued in 1997 and 1998, that altered the regulatory process in Michigan and provided a plan for transition to competition for the generation business of Detroit Edison, effective December 1998, Detroit Edison’s generation business no longer met the criteria of SFAS No. 71, “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation.” Since the June 2000 legislation was enacted into law and with the issuance of subsequent clarifying MPSC orders in 2001 and 2002, rates for retail customers and transition charges for electric Customer Choice customers will be set to recover Detroit Edison’s generation costs. Such costs will be billed and recovered from both retail and choice customers and thus satisfy the criteria of SFAS No. 71. In addition, we have the legislative authority to defer regulatory costs in 2002 and 2003 and to begin recovery of such costs starting in 2004 after the mandated rate freeze expires. As a result, we resumed application of SFAS No. 71 for our generation business in the fourth quarter of 2002.

In November 2002, the MPSC requested Michigan gas and electric utilities to justify why their retail rates should not be lowered due to potential personal property tax reductions. We have responded and await further MPSC action.

For additional information regarding our regulatory environment, see Note 6 — Regulatory Matters.

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Properties

Detroit Edison owns generating properties and facilities that are all located in the state of Michigan. Substantially all the net utility properties of Detroit Edison are subject to the lien of its mortgage. Power Generation plants owned and in service as of December 31, 2002 are as follows:

                                   
              Summer Net          
      Location by     Rated Capability (1) (2)          
      Michigan    
         
Plant Name   County     (MW)     (%)     Year in Service  

 
   
   
   
 
Fossil-fueled Steam-Electric
                               
 
Belle River (3)
  St. Clair     1,026       9.3 %   1984 and 1985
 
Conners Creek
  Wayne     200       1.8     1999  
 
Greenwood
  St. Clair     785       7.1     1979  
 
Harbor Beach
  Huron     103       0.9     1968  
 
Marysville
  St. Clair     167       1.5     1930, 1943 and 1947
 
Monroe (4)
  Monroe     3,000       27.1     1971, 1973 and 1974
 
River Rouge
  Wayne     510       4.6     1957 and 1958
 
St. Clair
  St. Clair     1,409       12.7     1953, 1954, 1959, 1961 and 1969
 
Trenton Channel
  Wayne     730       6.6     1949, 1968 and 1999
 
         
   
         
 
            7,930       71.6          
Oil or Gas-fueled Peaking Units
  Various     1,102       10.0     1966-1971, 1981 and 1999
Nuclear-fueled Steam-Electric Fermi 2 (5)
  Monroe     1,111       10.1     1988  
Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Ludington (6)
  Mason     917       8.3     1973  
 
         
   
         
 
            11,060       100.0 %        
 
         
   
         


(1)   Summer net rated capabilities of generating units in service are based on periodic load tests and are changed depending on operating experience, the physical condition of units, environmental control limitations and customer requirements for steam, which otherwise would be used for electric generation.
 
(2)   Excludes one oil-fueled unit, St. Clair Unit No. 5 (250 MW), in cold standby status.
 
(3)   The Belle River capability represents Detroit Edison’s entitlement to 81.39% of the capacity and energy of the plant. See Note 8 — Jointly Owned Utility Plant.
 
(4)   The Monroe Power Plant provided 33% of Detroit Edison’s total 2002 power plant generation.
 
(5)   Fermi 2 has a design electrical rating (net) of 1,150 MW.
 
(6)   Represents Detroit Edison’s 49% interest in Ludington with a total capability of 1,872 MW. Detroit Edison leased 306 MW of Ludington to First Energy for the six-year period June 1, 1996 through May 31, 2002.

Strategy and Competition

Our strategy for Power Generation is to build upon Detroit Edison’s solid reputation. We will continue to strive to be the preferred electricity supplier in southeast Michigan. We believe that we can accomplish our goal by working with our customers and communities to be a reliable supplier of electricity. To control expenses, we plan to optimize our fuel blends and make investments in our generating plants that will reduce unplanned plant outages and improve operating efficiencies, thereby increasing generation output without proportional additional fuel requirements. Revenues from year to year will vary due to weather conditions, economic factors, regulatory events and other risk factors as discussed in the “Risk Factors” section that follows.

Alternative suppliers of generation services in the retail and wholesale markets create competition in the electric generating business. Effective January 1, 2002, the electric Customer Choice program expanded in Michigan whereby all electric customers can choose to purchase their electricity from alternative suppliers. Approximately 6% of Detroit Edison’s retail generation sales were lost in 2002 as a result of

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customers participating in the electric Customer Choice program. We expect to lose between 10% to 13% of retail sales in 2003 as a result of customers choosing to participate in the program.

Energy Services

Description

Non-regulated Energy Services has three business lines: Coal-Based Fuels, On-Site Energy Projects and Merchant Generation.

Coal-Based Fuels

Coal-Based Fuels operations include producing synthetic fuel from nine synfuel plants and producing coke from three coke battery plants. Both processes generate tax credits under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 29 is designed to stimulate investment in and development of alternate fuel sources. Synfuel-related Section 29 tax credits expire in 2007. Section 29 tax credits for two of our three coke batteries expired at the end of 2002 with the third expiring in 2007.

The synthetic fuel process involves chemically modifying and binding particles of coal to produce a fuel that is used for power generation and coke production. The modification involves a three-step process that produces a solid synthetic fuel product that has characteristics similar to those of high-quality mined coal. The potential benefits of this process can include increased use of lower quality coal, improved coking qualities of the coal, reduced dust and air emissions, and improved material handling. During 2002, we sold a 95% interest in two of our synfuel projects.

The coke battery facilities produce coke that is used in blast furnaces within the steel industry. DTE Energy is one of the largest producers in the U.S. of coke for the steel industry. During 2001, we sold a 49% interest in two of our coke battery projects, and in 2002, consistent with the original purchase and sale agreement, our third coke battery project interest was reduced from 95% to 5%.

                             
    2002     2001     2000  
(Dollars in Millions)  
   
   
 
Coal-Based Fuels Statistics
                       
 
Synfuel Plants:
                       
   
Operational
    9       5       2  
 
 
   
   
 
   
Tax Credits Generated (1)
  $ 180.2       64.1       11.7  
 
 
   
   
 
 
Coke Battery Plants:
                       
   
Operational
    3       3       3  
 
 
   
   
 
   
Tax Credits Generated (1)
  $ 57.4       88.6       106.5  
 
 
   
   
 


(1)   DTE Energy’s portion of total tax credits generated

On-Site Energy Projects

Energy Services owns and operates on-site facilities, including pulverized coal injection, power generation, steam production, chilled water, wastewater treatment and compressed air. Many of these facilities deliver utility services to industrial, commercial and institutional customers.

Merchant Generation

Energy Services develops and operates peaking and gas-fired electric generating plants. We have four electric generating plants in operation, all located in the Great Lakes region. We have contracts for approximately 39% of the 2003 output of these plants.

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Properties

Coal-Based Fuels owns interest in and operates nine synfuel plants at eight production sites. Additionally, we have interests in three coke battery facilities in the United States, two of which we operate.

Coal Based Fuels

                           
Facility   Location   % Owned     Industry Served  

 
 
   
 
Synthetic Fuels
                       
 
DTE Red Mountain, LLC
  Tarrant, AL     100 %   Foundry Coke/Steel
 
DTE Belews Creek, LLC
  Belews Creek, NC     100 %   Utility
 
DTE Utah, LLC
  Price, UT     100 %   Industrial/Utility
 
DTE Indy Coke, LLC
  Indianapolis, IN     100 %   Foundry Coke/Steel
 
DTE Clover, LLC
  Bledsoe, KY     5 %   Utility
 
DTE Smith Branch, LLC
  Pineville, WV     5 %   Steel/Export
 
DTE River Hill, LLC
  Karthaus, PA     100 %   Utility
 
DTE Buckeye, LLC (2 plants)
  Cheshire, OH     100 %   Utility
Coke Battery
                       
 
EES Coke Battery Co.
  River Rouge, MI     51 %   Steel
 
Indiana Harbor
  East Chicago, IN     5 %   Steel
 
Burns Harbor
  Burns Harbor, IN     51 %   Steel

On-Site Energy Projects owns and/or operates energy facilities throughout the United States. The significant properties are varied in both use and function and are listed below:

     On-Site Energy Projects

         
Facility   Location   Type

 
 
PCI Enterprises   River Rouge, MI   Pulverized Coal
DTE Sparrows Point   Sparrows Point, MD   Pulverized Coal
DTE Northwind   Detroit, MI   Steam & Chilled Water
DTE Moraine   Moraine, OH   Compressed Air
DTE Tonawanda   Tonawanda, NY   Chilled & Waste Water
Metro Energy   Romulus, MI   Electricity, Hot and Chilled Water

The Merchant Generation fleet consists of four natural gas-fired electric generating plants that are all located in the Great Lakes region.

     Merchant Generation

                         
Facility   Location   % Owned     Capacity (in MW)  

 
 
   
 
Georgetown
  Indianapolis, IN     100 %     240  
River Rouge
  Detroit, MI     100 %     240  
Crete
  Crete, IL     50 %     320  
East China
  East China Twp, MI     100 %     320  

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Strategy and Competition

Our strategy for Energy Services is to continue leveraging our extensive energy-related operating experience and project management capability to develop and grow the on-site energy and merchant generating businesses. We continue to evaluate opportunities to sell interests in some or all of our synfuel plants.

We anticipate building around our core strengths in the markets where we operate. In determining which markets to compete in, we examine closely the regulatory environment, the number of competitors and our ability to achieve sustainable margins. We plan to maximize the effectiveness of our inter-related businesses as we expand from our current regional focus. As we pursue growth opportunities, our first priority will be to achieve value-added returns, and then trend towards increased operational scale.

We plan to focus on the following areas for growth:

  Acquisition of assets in the distressed energy market;
 
  Expansion of on-site energy projects;
 
  Select development of coal-fired generation; and
 
  Development of new tax advantaged opportunities.

Energy Marketing & Trading

Description

Energy Marketing & Trading consists of the wholesale electric and gas marketing and trading operations of DTE Energy Trading Company and CoEnergy Trading Company. We acquired CoEnergy Trading as part of the MCN Energy acquisition in May 2001. Energy Marketing & Trading focuses on physical power marketing and structured transactions for large customers, as well as the enhancement of returns from DTE Energy’s power plants, pipeline and storage assets. In pursuing these goals, Energy Marketing & Trading may enter into forwards, futures, swaps and option contracts.

Regulation

There have been numerous events that impacted the energy trading business. These events led to increased oversight and scrutiny of the trading business by state and federal regulatory agencies.

Strategy and Competition

Our strategy for Energy Marketing & Trading is to execute on our vision of the role energy trading plays in delivering value-added services to our customers. Over the past year many of the major market players have either ceased as going concerns or are no longer engaged in the energy trading business. We seek to gradually expand this business in a manner consistent with and complementary to the growth of our other business segments. We plan to focus on physical marketing and the optimization of our portfolio of energy assets. We have risk management and credit policies to monitor and minimize risk.

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Coal Services

Description

Coal Services specializes in minimizing energy production costs and maximizing reliability of supply for energy-intensive customers. We provide fuel, transportation and equipment management services tailored to the individual requirements of each customer. Our customers include electric utilities, merchant producers, integrated steel mills and large industrial producers with high energy requirements. We also operate a number of railcar maintenance and repair facilities serving coal transporters, as well as all other industries and rail car types.

                         
Coal Services   2002     2001     2000  
   
   
   
 
Tons of Coal Shipped (in Millions)
    28.5       23.5       14.5  

Properties

We lease approximately 2,800 rail cars. We own fixed and mobile railcar maintenance and repair facilities in Nebraska and Indiana.

Strategy and Competition

We plan to leverage our position as one of the top North American coal marketers and our reputation as an efficient manager of transportation assets. Certain trends are taking place within our industry that could have an impact on how we compete in the future. Industry consolidation in the mining business is resulting in fewer but larger mines. Consolidation in the railroad industry is reducing the number of rail companies we can contract with to transport coal for our customers. We plan to work with suppliers and the railroads to promote secure and competitive access to the energy requirements for our customers. We are also exploring a technology that removes clay and dirt from waste coal. If the technology is commercially practical, it could contribute significantly to earnings and provide environmental benefits.

Biomass

Description

Biomass develops, owns and operates landfill gas recovery systems in the U.S. Landfill gas, a byproduct of solid waste decomposition, is composed of approximately equal portions of methane and carbon dioxide. Converting the methane into a renewable energy resource conserves fossil fuels. Biomass operations generate Section 29 tax credits that expire in 2007.

Biomass helps limit potential greenhouse gas emissions by developing and implementing landfill gas recovery systems that capture the gas and use it productively. Such a recovery system eliminates detrimental air emissions by preventing methane from migrating off-site and becoming a safety hazard or odor problem. Landfill gas recovery systems also provide local utilities, industry and consumers with an opportunity to use a competitive, renewable source of energy. Applications for this form of energy include steam and electricity generation, fueling of asphalt plants and kilns for brick manufacturing.

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(Dollars in Millions)   2002     2001     2000  
Biomass  
   
   
 
Landfill Sites
    30       28       27  
Gas Produced (in Bcf)
    27.5       24.2       24.4  
Tax Credits Generated (1)
  $ 12.9     $ 11.9     $ 11.4  


(1)   DTE Energy’s portion of total tax credits generated

Properties

Biomass has 30 operating sites and other projects are under development. These sites are located throughout the continental U.S.

Strategy and Competition

Biomass’ strategy capitalizes upon our industry experience of over 20 years. We are evaluating business growth through both development and acquisitions. We compete primarily with fossil fuels like natural gas, but we believe the environmental benefits of biomass along with reasonable and economic access to these landfill sites provide a platform for future growth.

ENERGY DISTRIBUTION

Power Distribution & Transmission

Description

The electric distribution services and the steam heating business of Detroit Edison and the electric transmission services of ITC comprise our regulated Power Distribution & Transmission business. This business transmits and distributes electricity generated by Energy Resources’ Power Generation business and alternative electric suppliers to Detroit Edison’s 2.1 million customers in southeastern Michigan. The transmission assets of ITC are operated by the Midwest Independent System Operator, a regional transmission operator responsible for evaluating and coordinating requests for transmission service on a non-discriminatory basis. In the fourth quarter of 2002, we entered into an agreement with Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts and Company and Trimaran Capital Partners, L.L.C. to sell ITC for $610 million. The sale closed on February 28, 2003. In January 2003, we sold the steam heating business to Thermal Ventures II, LP.

Weather and economic factors affect our sales and revenues. Similar to the Power Generation business, our peak load and highest total system sales generally occur during the third quarter of the year driven by air conditioning and cooling-related demands. Power Distribution & Transmission’s sales are not dependent upon a limited number of customers. Additionally, customers participating in the electric Customer Choice program will not impact Power Distribution & Transmission’s operating revenues or the number of customers served. The loss of any one or a few customers is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Power Distribution & Transmission.

                           
    2002     2001     2000  
(in MWh)  
   
   
 
Electric Deliveries
                       
 
Residential
    15,958       14,503       13,903  
 
Commercial
    18,395       18,777       19,762  
 
Industrial
    13,590       14,430       16,090  
 
Wholesale
    2,249       2,159       2,277  
 
 
   
   
 
 
    50,192       49,869       52,032  
 
Customer Choice
    3,510       1,268       202  
 
 
   
   
 
 
    53,702       51,137       52,234  
 
 
   
   
 

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Regulation

Detroit Edison’s Power Distribution is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the MPSC. ITC’s transmission business is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the FERC. The MPSC and FERC have regulatory jurisdiction over rates, conditions of service and other operating-related matters. As previously discussed, Michigan legislation prevents Detroit Edison from increasing rates to residential customers through 2005, for small business customers through 2004, and remaining customers through 2003. We expect the rates charged by ITC to remain at current levels through December 2004.

For additional information regarding our regulatory environment, see Note 6 — Regulatory Matters.

Properties

Detroit Edison owns and operates 662 distribution substations with a capacity of 30,843,000 kilovolt- amperes (kV) and 406,176 line transformers with a capacity of 24,493,806 kV amperes. Substantially all of the net utility properties of Detroit Edison are subject to the lien of its mortgage. Circuit miles of distribution lines owned and in service as of December 31, 2002 are as follows:

                 
Electric Distribution   Circuit Miles  
   
 
Operating Voltage — kV   Overhead     Underground  

 
   
 
4.8 kV to 13.2 kV
    27,429       11,510  
24 kV
    102       696  
40 kV
    2,350       328  
120 kV
    77       13  
 
 
   
 
 
    29,958       12,547  
 
 
   
 

ITC owns and operates 40 transmission stations with a capacity of 20,250,000 kV amperes. Circuit miles of transmission lines owned and in service as of December 31, 2002 are as follows:

                 
Electric Transmission   Circuit Miles  
   
 
Operating Voltage — kV   Overhead     Underground  

 
   
 
120 kV
    1,491       118  
230 kV
    86        
345 kV
    963       7  
 
 
   
 
 
    2,540       125  
 
 
   
 

Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy Company interchange energy through nine interconnections currently owned and operated by ITC and Michigan Electric Transmission Company (METC). Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy Company also have interchange agreements that permit the exchange of electric energy through 12 ITC and METC owned interconnections with First Energy, Indiana Michigan Power Company, Northern Indiana Public Service Company and Ontario Hydro Services Company. In addition, Detroit Edison has interchange agreements for the exchange of electric energy with Michigan South Central Power Agency and the City of Wyandotte.

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Strategy and Competition

Our strategy is to build upon Detroit Edison’s solid reputation of being a reliable distributor of electricity. We plan to focus on improving the quality of customer service and lowering operating costs by improving operating efficiencies as well as targeting capital investments in areas that have the greatest impact on reliability improvements with the goal of managing distribution rates charged to utility customers.

The decision to sell ITC is consistent with our strategic view that maximization of shareholder value and high levels of customer service are best achieved with assets we own, operate and exercise significant control. The sale was completed on February 28, 2003 and ITC will continue to provide transmission services to the Energy Distribution business. As Detroit Edison’s rates were designed to recover transmission costs, billings to Detroit Edison from ITC will be recovered from Detroit Edison’s utility customers. Rates charged by ITC to Detroit Edison are expected to remain at current levels through December 2004. Thereafter, rates would be subject to normal FERC regulation and market forces.

Competition in the regulated electrical distribution business is provided primarily by on-site generation by industrial customers and distributed generation applications by industrial and commercial customers. We do not expect significant competition for distribution to any group of customers.

Distributed Generation

Description

Distributed Generation, primarily consisting of DTE Energy Technologies (Dtech), invests in emerging technologies that complement our existing businesses. We currently have businesses that develop, market and distribute a broad portfolio of distributed generation products, provide application engineering, and monitor and manage system operations. Distributed generation units seek to generate safe, clean, reliable power at or near the point of use, rather than at large central power stations, which can provide very high efficiencies due to effective use of waste heat. Distributed generation products use a range of technologies, including internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, mini-turbines and fuel cells.

Distribution Generation has steadily increased the number of completed projects each year. The table below details the number of projects completed in the past three years.

                                 
            2002       2001       2000          
           
     
     
         
Distributed Generation Projects Completed
    876       319       85  

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Strategy and Competition

Our goal is to become a significant player in the distributed generation market, providing one-stop shopping that meets customers’ total energy needs. Key milestones toward this success include full commercialization of our internal combustion engine-driven products as well as our monitoring and system management operations. Additionally, we are completing the development of our first turbine-powered product. Our North American sales structure is in place and we are continuing to expand our support capabilities (both direct and with partners). Important objectives beyond North America will be the continued development of marketing relationships in Europe, Korea and Japan.

Competition in the distributed generation business currently is provided by other distributors of stand-by generators. We compete on the basis of cost and seek to better meet customer needs with our enhanced offerings including turn-key installations, project management, after sale service and system management operation. We anticipate increased future competition, including the entry of new competitors, for continuous duty products and services. To compete effectively, we develop proprietary products and services that are sold through our existing distribution channels in North America and exclusive arrangements in international markets.

ENERGY GAS

Gas Distribution

Description

Gas Distribution operations primarily consist of MichCon, our regulated gas utility. Gas Distribution provides gas sales and transportation delivery services to 1.2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers located throughout Michigan. The following table details sales and deliveries to these customers.

                   
    2002     2001(1)  
(in Millions)  
   
 
Gas Revenues
               
 
Gas Sales
  $ 1,104     $ 491  
 
End-user Transportation
    122       50  
 
Intermediate Transportation
    49       26  
 
Other
    94       48  
 
 
 
   
 
 
  $ 1,369     $ 615  
 
 
 
   
 
(in Bcf)
               
Gas Deliveries
               
 
Gas Sales
    170       95  
 
End-user Transportation
    170       81  
 
Intermediate Transportation
    492       304  
 
 
   
 
 
    832       480  
 
 
   
 


(1)   Includes the operations of MichCon from the May 31, 2001 acquisition date.

Gas Distribution makes gas sales primarily to residential and small-volume commercial and industrial customers. It provides end user transportation to large-volume commercial and industrial customers and gas Customer Choice customers who purchase natural gas directly from other suppliers and utilizes MichCon’s pipeline network to transport the gas to the customer’s facilities. Gas Distribution provides intermediate transportation to producers, brokers and other gas companies that own the natural gas transported, but are not the ultimate consumers. MichCon’s revenues and net income are impacted by weather and are concentrated in the first and fourth quarters of the year due to heating-related demand. MichCon’s operations are not dependent upon a limited number of customers, and the loss of any one or a few customers is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on MichCon.

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We obtain our natural gas supply from various sources in different geographic areas under agreements that vary in both pricing and terms.

           
      2003  
     
 
Gas Distribution
       
Contracted Supply
       
 
Fixed Price Purchases
    62 %
 
Market Price Purchases
    38 %
 
 
 
 
    100 %
 
 
 

Supply under contract represents approximately 89% of the expected 157 Bcf of supply requirements in 2003. We expect to meet the balance of gas supply requirements through open market purchases. As a result of varying demand primarily due to weather, MichCon may use existing gas in inventory to meet unanticipated customer obligations. Given the geographic diversity of supply, coupled with its 124 Bcf of storage capacity, MichCon believes it can meet the supply requirements for customers. MichCon has long-term firm transportation agreements expiring on various dates through 2011 for delivery of purchased natural gas to our distribution system.

Regulation

MichCon is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the MPSC, which issues orders pertaining to rates, recovery of certain costs, including the costs of regulatory assets, conditions of service, accounting and operating-related matters. MichCon is subject to the requirements of other regulatory agencies with respect to safety, the environment and health.

In the late 1990s, the MPSC began an initiative designed to give all of Michigan’s natural gas customers added choices and the opportunity to benefit from lower gas costs resulting from competition. In 1999, the MPSC approved a comprehensive experimental three-year gas Customer Choice program that allowed an increasing number of customers to purchase natural gas from suppliers other than their local utility. The local utility would continue to transport the natural gas supply to the customers’ facilities, thereby retaining distribution margins. In December 2001, the MPSC issued an order that continues the gas Customer Choice program on a permanent and expanding basis beginning with the conclusion of the three-year temporary program on March 31, 2002. Under the expanded program, beginning April 1, 2002, up to approximately 40% of customers could elect to purchase gas from suppliers other than MichCon. Beginning in April 2003, up to approximately 60% of customers could participate, and beginning April 2004, all 1.2 million of MichCon’s gas customers could choose to participate. MichCon will continue to transport and deliver the gas to the participating customers’ premises at prices that generate favorable margins.

Under the December 2001 MPSC order, MichCon returned to a gas cost recovery (GCR) mechanism in January 2002 upon termination of its temporary Gas Sales Program. The GCR permits MichCon to pass the cost of natural gas to its customers. Under the Gas Sales Program, the MPSC suspended the GCR mechanism and MichCon’s sales rates included a gas commodity component that was fixed at $2.95 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf). Under this program, MichCon incurred commodity price risk associated with its ability to secure gas supplies at prices less than $2.95 per Mcf. Beginning in January 2002, MichCon’s gas sales rates include a gas commodity component designed to recover its actual gas costs.

For additional information regarding our regulatory environment, see Note 6 — Regulatory Matters.

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Properties

MichCon owns distribution, transmission and storage properties and facilities that are all located in the state of Michigan. At December 31, 2002, MichCon’s distribution system included 17,774 miles of distribution mains, 1,136,863 service lines and 1,241,516 active meters. MichCon owns 2,581 miles of transmission lines that deliver natural gas to the distribution districts and interconnect its storage fields with the sources of supply and the market areas. MichCon owns properties relating to four underground natural gas storage fields with an aggregate working gas storage capacity of approximately 124 Bcf. Substantially all of the net utility properties of MichCon are subject to the lien of its mortgage.

Strategy and competition

The strategy of the Gas Distribution business is to expand our role as the preferred provider of natural gas and high-value energy services within Michigan. We expect modest growth and to control costs in order to provide customers high-quality service at competitive prices.

Competition in the gas business primarily involves alternate fuels and energy sources. Natural gas continues to be the preferred space and water-heating fuel. Developers select natural gas in new construction because of the convenience, cleanliness and relative price advantage compared to propane, fuel oil and other alternative fuels.

Exploration & Production

Description

The Exploration & Production (E&P) business owns one of the industry’s largest Antrim gas reserve bases. Our emphasis is on developing and producing the 400 Bcf of proved reserves we owned as of December 31, 2002 predominantly located in northern Michigan. We drilled 90 wells (78 net of interest of others) in 2002. Wells drilled in the Antrim shale formations have high success rates and low drilling costs, and are therefore considered low risk.

Properties

The Michigan properties had 24.2 Bcf equivalents of production in 2002. E&P does not anticipate adding a significant amount of new reserves to its 400 Bcf of proven reserves at December 31, 2002.

Strategy

The E&P business is aggressively managing its Michigan oil and gas producing assets to optimize returns on investment. We have operator responsibilities for our Michigan properties with the goal of lowering the costs of producing reserves. E&P has rights to 86,050 acres (69,977 net of interest of others) of undeveloped leases. During 2003, E&P plans to continue developing this acreage and anticipates selling nearly all of its gas production to DTE Energy’s Energy Marketing & Trading segment. In addition, in order to leverage our E&P capabilities and the skills and experience of other non-regulated businesses, we are exploring opportunities in the coal bed methane gas production business.

Pipelines & Processing

Description

The Pipelines & Processing business has partnership interests in two interstate transmission pipelines, Portland Natural Gas Transmission System (Portland) and Vector Pipeline (Vector), seven carbon dioxide processing facilities and a 9.7 Bcf natural gas storage field. Additionally, we have contract rights to a 42.5 Bcf natural gas storage field. The assets of the Pipelines & Processing business are primarily supported by the Energy Marketing & Trading segment.

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Properties

                           
Pipelines & Processing
Property Classification
  % Owned     Description   Location

 
   
 
Pipelines
                       
 
Portland Pipeline
    16 %   295-mile pipeline with 216   Northeast U.S.
 
          MMcf per day capacity        
 
Vector Pipeline
    25 %   348-mile pipeline with   Midwest
 
          1,000 MMcf per day capacity        
Processing Plants
    90 %   202 MMcf per day capacity   Northern Michigan
Storage
                       
 
Washington 28
    50 %   9.7 Bcf of storage capacity   Washington Twp, MI
 
Washington 10
    %   42.5 Bcf of storage capacity   Washington Twp, MI

Strategy and Competition

Pipelines & Processing focuses on opportunities in the Midwest-to-Northeast region that supply natural gas to meet growing demand. We expect much of the growth in the demand for natural gas in the United States to occur within the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. These regions currently lack the pipeline capacity and low-cost storage necessary to deliver gas volumes to meet growing demand. Portland and Vector are interstate pipeline projects that are intended to fill a large portion of that need, and are complemented by Energy Gas’ significant storage capacity. Pipelines & Processing has interests in seven processing plants that extract carbon dioxide from Antrim gas production making it suitable for transportation to nearby markets. Additionally, we have contract rights in natural gas storage fields, capable of storing up to 52.2 Bcf. We plan to continue identifying asset opportunities related to natural gas, storage and transmission and working with other DTE Energy affiliates to secure the market required to support asset investment.

CORPORATE & OTHER

Description

Corporate & Other includes administrative and general expenses, and interest costs that have not been allocated to regulated and non-regulated businesses. Corporate & Other also includes various other non-regulated investments, including assets held for sale and in emerging energy technologies.

Strategy and Competition

Our energy technology strategy is to invest in a profitable portfolio of energy technology companies that facilitate the creation of new businesses, and expand growth opportunities for existing DTE Energy businesses. We seek to gain early experience in emerging energy sectors where energy trends and technologies may create potentially profitable opportunities. The investment portfolio consists of direct investments in energy technology companies and venture funds. Our largest investment is in Plug Power Inc., a company that designs and develops on-site electric fuel cell power generation systems. In 2002, we invested $9 million in five emerging energy companies and $2 million in three energy technology venture funds.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

We are subject to extensive environmental regulation. Additional costs may result as the effects of various chemicals on the environment are studied and governmental regulations are developed and implemented. We expect to continue recovering environmental costs related to utility operations through rates charged to our customers. Greater details on environmental issues are provided in the following Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements:

     
Note   Title

 
6   Regulatory Matters
7   Nuclear Operations
16   Commitments and Contingencies

Detroit Edison

Detroit Edison is subject to applicable permit requirements, and to potentially increasing stringent federal, state and local standards covering among other things, particulate and gaseous stack emission limitations, the discharge of waste into lakes and streams and the handling and disposal of waste material.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued ozone transport regulations and air quality standards relating to ozone and particulate air pollution. The new rules have led to additional controls on fossil-fueled power plants to reduce nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and particulate emissions. To comply with these new controls, Detroit Edison has spent approximately $460 million through December 2002 and estimates that it will incur an additional $300 to $400 million of future capital expenditures over the next five to eight years to satisfy these new control requirements. The EPA initiated enforcement actions against several major electric utilities citing violations of new source provisions of the Clean Air Act. Detroit Edison received and responded to information requests from the EPA on this subject. We cannot predict the future impact of this issue upon Detroit Edison.

Detroit Edison is required to demonstrate that the cooling water intake structures at all of its facilities minimize adverse environmental impact. Detroit Edison filed such demonstrations and in the event of a final adverse decision, may be required to install additional control technologies to further minimize the impact.

Various state and federal laws regulate Detroit Edison’s handling, storage and disposal of its waste materials. The EPA and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) have aggressive programs to manage the clean up of contaminated property. Detroit Edison has extensive land holdings and, from time to time, must investigate claims of improperly disposed contaminants. Detroit Edison anticipates it will be periodically included in these types of environmental proceedings.

MichCon and Citizens

Prior to the construction of major natural gas pipelines, gas for heating and other uses was manufactured from processes involving coal, coke or oil. Enterprises (MichCon and Citizens, a wholly owned utility located in Adrian, Michigan) owns, or previously owned, 17 such former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites. Investigations have revealed contamination related to the by-products of gas manufacturing at each site. Enterprises is remediating eight of the former MGP sites and is conducting more extensive investigations at three of the sites. Enterprises has received MDEQ closure of one site and a determination that it is not a responsible party for two other sites. While we cannot make any assurances, we believe that a cost deferral and rate recovery mechanism approved by the MPSC will prevent these costs from having a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Other

Our non-regulated affiliates are subject to a number of environmental laws and regulations dealing with the protection of the environment from various pollutants. We believe these non-regulated affiliates are in substantial compliance with all environmental requirements.

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RISK FACTORS

There are various risks associated with the operations of DTE Energy’s regulated and non-regulated businesses. To provide a framework to understand the operating environment of DTE Energy, we are providing a brief explanation of the more significant risks associated with our businesses. Although we have tried to identify and discuss key risk factors, others could emerge in the future. Each of the following risks could affect our performance.

Weather — Weather significantly affects our operations. Deviations from normal hot and cold weather conditions affect our earnings and cash flow. Mild temperatures can result in decreased utilization of our assets, lowering income and cash flow. Damage due to ice storms, tornadoes, or high winds can damage our infrastructure and require us to perform emergency repairs and incur material unplanned expenses.

Regional and national economic conditions — Our businesses follow the economic cycles of the customers we serve. Should national or regional economic conditions decline, reduced volumes of electricity and gas we supply will result in decreased earnings and cash flow.

Environmental laws and liability — We are subject to numerous environmental regulations. These regulations govern air emissions, water quality, wastewater discharge, solid waste, and hazardous waste. Compliance with these regulations can significantly increase capital spending, operating expenses and plant down times. These laws and regulations require us to seek a variety of environmental licenses, permits, inspections, and other regulatory approvals. We may also incur liabilities because of our emission of gases that may cause changes in the climate, including issues related to global warming. The regulatory environment is subject to significant change, and therefore we cannot predict future issues.

Additionally, we may become a responsible party for environmental clean up at sites identified by a regulatory body. We cannot predict with certainty the amount and timing of future expenditures related to environmental matters because of the difficulty of estimating clean up costs. There is also uncertainty in quantifying liabilities under environmental laws that impose joint and several liability on all potentially responsible parties.

Operation of nuclear facilities — Ownership of an operating nuclear generating plant subjects Detroit Edison to significant additional risks. These risks among others, include plant security, environmental regulation and remediation, and operational factors than can significantly impact the performance and cost of operating a nuclear facility.

Section 29 tax credits — We have generated Section 29 tax credits from our synfuel, coke battery and biomass operations. Generating Section 29 tax credits is important to minimizing our income tax expense. We have received favorable private letter rulings on 7 of our 9 synfuel plants and expect the remaining two in 2003. The generation of tax credits is subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service. If we failed to prevail through the administrative and legal process, there could be additional tax liabilities owed for previously taken Section 29 tax credits which could impact our earnings and cash flows. The value of future credits generated may be affected by new tax legislation. The combination of overall industry audits of Section 29 credits, supply and demand for tax credits and new tax legislation could hinder our plan to sell interests in tax credit properties which could have an impact on our earnings and cash flows.

Rate regulation — We operate in a regulated industry. Our rates are set by the MPSC and cannot be increased without their authorization. We may be impacted by new regulations or interpretations by the MPSC, FERC or other regulatory bodies. New legislation, regulations or interpretations could change how our business operates, impact our ability to recover costs through rate increases or may require us to incur additional expenses.

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Competition — Deregulation and restructuring in the electric and gas industry, including customer choice programs could result in increased competition and unrecovered costs that could affect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of our regulated businesses.

Supply and price of raw materials — We are dependent on coal for much of our electrical generating capacity. Price fluctuation and supply disruptions could have a negative impact on our ability to profitably generate electricity. Our access to natural gas supplies is critical to ensure reliability of service for our regulated gas customers. We have hedging policies in place to mitigate negative fluctuations in commodity supply prices.

Labor relations — Unions represent a majority of our employees. A union choosing to strike as a negotiating tactic could have an impact on our business.

Unplanned outages — Unforeseen maintenance may be required to safely produce electricity or comply with environmental regulations. This occurrence could result in spot market purchases of electricity in excess of our costs of generation.

Access to capital markets and interest rates — Our ability to access capital markets is important to operate our businesses. Heightened concerns about the energy industry, the level of borrowing by other energy companies and the market as a whole could limit our access to capital markets. Changes in interest rates could increase our borrowing costs.

Upstream cash flows from subsidiaries — Cash flows from subsidiaries are required to pay interest expenses and dividends on DTE Energy debt and securities. Should a major subsidiary not be able to pay dividends or transfer cash flows to DTE Energy, our ability to pay dividends and interest would be restricted.

Property tax reform — We are one of the largest payers of property taxes in the state of Michigan. Should the legislature change how schools are financed, we could face increased property taxes on our Michigan facilities.

Credit ratings — Increased scrutiny of the energy industry and regulatory changes could result in credit agencies reexamining our credit rating. A change in our rating could restrict our ability to access capital markets at attractive rates and increase our borrowing costs.

Property insurance — While we seek to adequately insure our property, catastrophic damage as a result of acts of God, terrorism, war or a combination of significant unforeseen items occurring at one time could impact our operations and economic losses might not be covered in full by insurance.

Terrorism — Damage to downstream infrastructure or our own assets by terrorist groups would impact our operations. At Fermi 2, we have already increased security as a result of an NRC order and further security increases are expected. Additionally, we may assist other energy companies if terrorists were to strike their energy facilities.

Energy trading markets — Recent events in the energy trading industry have increased the level of scrutiny on the energy trading business and the energy industry as a whole. A decline in the confidence in the energy trading market along with stricter credit requirements has led to a decrease in the number of trading entities resulting in decreased liquidity in the energy trading market.

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EMPLOYEES

The table below shows our employees as of December 31, 2002:

                         
    Represented     Non-represented     Total  
   
   
   
 
Detroit Edison
    4,346       3,873       8,219  
MichCon
    1,508       738       2,246  
Other
    22       608       630  
 
 
   
   
   
Total
    5,876       5,219       11,095  
 
 
   
   
 

There are several bargaining units for our represented employees. Of the 5,876 represented employees, 4,919 are under contracts that expire in June or October 2004. The contracts of the remaining represented employees expire in 2005.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF DTE ENERGY

                 
                Present
                Position
Name   Age (1)     Present Position   Held Since

 
   
 
Anthony F. Earley, Jr.     53     Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
    Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer
  8-1-98
Gerard M. Anderson     44     Group President, Energy Resources   5-31-01
Robert J. Buckler     53     Group President, Energy Distribution   5-31-01
Stephen E. Ewing     58     Group President, Energy Gas   5-31-01
David E. Meador     45     Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   5-31-01
Bruce D. Peterson     46     Senior Vice President and General Counsel   6-25-02
S. Martin Taylor     62     Senior Vice President   4-28-99
Susan M. Beale     54     Vice President and Corporate Secretary   12-11-95
Daniel G. Brudzynski     42     Vice President and Controller   2-8-01


(1)   As of December 31, 2002

Under our By-Laws, the officers of DTE Energy are elected annually by the Board of Directors at a meeting held for such purpose, each to serve until the next annual meeting of directors or until their respective successors are chosen and qualified. With the exception of Messrs. Peterson and Ewing, all of the above officers have been employed by DTE Energy in one or more management capacities during the past five years.

Stephen E. Ewing was elected group president for DTE Energy Gas on May 31, 2001. He joined DTE Energy having previously served as president and chief operating officer of MCN Energy and president and chief executive officer of MichCon during the previous five years.

Bruce D. Peterson was elected Senior Vice President and General Counsel on June 25, 2002. Mr. Peterson was a partner with Hunton & Williams in Washington, D.C. prior to joining DTE Energy. He joined Hunton & Williams in 1982 and later rejoined that firm in 1988 after serving in the U.S. Foreign Service, Department of State.

Pursuant to Article VI of our Articles of Incorporation, directors of DTE Energy will not be personally liable to the company or its shareholders in the performance of their duties to the full extent permitted by law.

Article VII of our Articles of Incorporation provides that each current or former director or officer of DTE Energy, or each current and former employee or agent of the company or a director, officer, employee or

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agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including the heirs, executors, administrators or estate of such person), shall be indemnified by the company to the full extent permitted by the Michigan Business Corporation Act or any other applicable laws as presently or hereafter in effect. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with all of our officers and directors, these agreements set forth procedures for claims for indemnification as well as contractually obligating us to provide indemnification to the maximum extent permissible by law.

We and our directors and officers in their capacities as such are insured against liability for alleged wrongful acts (to the extent defined) under three insurance policies providing aggregate coverage in the amount of $100 million.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are involved in certain legal (including commercial matters), administrative and environmental proceedings before various courts, arbitration panels and governmental agencies concerning claims arising in the ordinary course of business. These proceedings include contract disputes, environmental reviews and investigations, and pending judicial matters. We cannot predict the final disposition of such proceedings. We regularly review legal matters and record provisions for claims that are considered probable of loss. The resolution of pending proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements in the period they are resolved. For additional discussion on legal matters, see the following Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements:

     
Note   Title

 
6   Regulatory Matters
7   Nuclear Operations
16   Commitments and Contingencies

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

We did not submit any matters to a vote of security holders in the fourth quarter of 2002.

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Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which is the principal market for such stock, and the Chicago Stock Exchange. The following table indicates the reported high and low sales prices of our Common Stock on the Composite Tape of the New York Stock Exchange and dividends paid per share for each quarterly period during the past two years:

                                 
                            Dividends  
                            Paid  
Calendar   Quarter     High     Low     Per Share  

 
   
   
   
 
2002
                               
 
  First   $ 45.75     $ 39.65     $ 0.515  
 
  Second   $ 47.70     $ 42.65     $ 0.515  
 
  Third   $ 44.56     $ 33.05     $ 0.515  
 
  Fourth   $ 46.90     $ 38.20     $ 0.515  
2001
                               
 
  First   $ 40.20     $ 33.13     $ 0.515  
 
  Second   $ 47.13     $ 39.79     $ 0.515  
 
  Third   $ 47.04     $ 41.30     $ 0.515  
 
  Fourth   $ 45.00     $ 39.90     $ 0.515  

At December 31, 2002, there were 167,462,430 shares of our common stock outstanding. These shares were held by a total of 109,443 shareholders of record.

Our By-Laws nullify Chapter 7B of the Michigan Business Corporation Act (Act). This Act regulates shareholder rights when an individual’s stock ownership reaches 20% of a Michigan corporation’s outstanding shares. A shareholder seeking control of the company cannot require our Board of Directors to call a meeting to vote on issues related to corporate control within 10 days, as stipulated by the Act. See Note 11 — Common Stock and Earnings Per Share for additional information, including information concerning the Shareholders’ Rights Plan.

The amount of future dividends will depend on our earnings, financial condition and other factors that are periodically reviewed by our Board of Directors. Although there can be no assurances, we anticipate paying dividends at the current rate of $0.515 per quarter for the foreseeable future. See Note 11 — Preferred Securities and Note 12 — Long-Term Debt for possible restrictions on the payment of dividends.

Pursuant to Article I, Section 8.(c) and Article II, Section 3.(c) of our By-laws, as amended through September 1, 1999, notice is given that the 2004 Annual Meeting of the company’s Common Shareholders will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2004.

All of our equity compensation plans have been approved by shareholders. See Note 18 — Stock Based Compensation for additional detail. See below for information as of December 31, 2002.

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                    Number of  
    Number of             securities  
    securities to be             remaining available  
    issued upon     Weighted-average     for future issuance  
    exercise of     exercise price of     under equity  
    outstanding options     outstanding options     compensation plans  
   
   
   
 
Plans approved by shareholders
    5,480,595     $ 39.87       10,439,000  

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data should be read with the accompanying Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Notes.

                                           
      2002     2001(1)     2000     1999     1998  
     
   
   
   
   
 
(in Millions, except per share amounts)
                                       
Operating Revenues
  $ 6,749     $ 5,791     $ 4,638     $ 4,499     $ 4,174  
Net Income (2)
                                       
 
Regulated operations
  $ 460     $ 384     $ 427     $ 434     $ 412  
 
Non-regulated operations (3)
    172       152       57       49       31  
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
    632       536       484       483       443  
 
Merger, restructuring and goodwill amortization
          (204 )     (16 )            
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
Net Income
  $ 632     $ 332     $ 468     $ 483     $ 443  
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share (2)
                                       
 
Regulated operations
  $ 2.79     $ 2.50     $ 2.99     $ 3.00     $ 2.83  
 
Non-regulated operations (3)
    1.04       .98       .40       .33       .22  
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
    3.83       3.48       3.39       3.33       3.05  
 
Merger, restructuring and goodwill amortization
          (1.32 )     (.12 )            
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ 3.83     $ 2.16     $ 3.27     $ 3.33     $ 3.05  
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock
  $ 2.06     $ 2.06     $ 2.06     $ 2.06     $ 2.06  
At year end:
                                       
Total Assets
  $ 19,238     $ 18,881     $ 12,656     $ 12,316     $ 12,088  
Long-Term Debt Obligations, including capital leases
  $ 7,514     $ 7,654     $ 4,039     $ 4,091     $ 4,323  
Redeemable Preferred Stock
  $ 271     $ 274     $     $     $  
Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 4,565     $ 4,589     $ 4,009     $ 3,909     $ 3,698  


(1)   Includes the operations of MCN Energy from the May 31, 2001 acquisition date.
 
(2)   2001 earnings were favorably impacted by $3 million or $.02 per share due to an accounting change.
 
(3)   Includes Corporate & Other.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Diluted Earnings Per Share Increased — Our earnings in 2002 were $632 million, or $3.83 per diluted share, compared to earnings of $332 million, or $2.16 per diluted share in 2001. The comparability of earnings was affected by merger and restructuring charges and goodwill amortization associated with the MCN Energy merger that reduced 2001 after-tax earnings by $204 million, or $1.32 per diluted share. Excluding merger and restructuring charges and goodwill amortization, operating earnings increased $96 million or $.35 per diluted share in 2002 compared to 2001. The increase was due to improved margins in our regulated Energy Resources business, a full year of contributions from our Energy Gas business that was acquired in May 2001 in conjunction with the MCN Energy acquisition and increased contribution from our non-regulated businesses, primarily synfuels. Partially offsetting these improvements were higher operation and maintenance expenses, and interest expense. The issuance of 29 million shares of DTE Energy common stock in conjunction with the May 2001 MCN Energy acquisition, net of 10.5 million shares repurchased in 2001, and the issuance of 6.325 million shares in June 2002, also impacted the earnings per share comparison.

Earnings in 2001 decreased $136 million, or $1.11 per diluted share from 2000. As previously discussed, the earnings decline was due to significant merger and restructuring charges and goodwill amortization recorded in 2001. Additionally, merger and restructuring charges were recorded in 2000 reducing income by $16 million, or $.12 per diluted share. Excluding merger and restructuring charges and goodwill amortization, earnings increased $52 million, or $.09 per diluted share in 2001 compared to 2000. The improvement in earnings primarily reflects contributions from our Energy Gas business and from our non-regulated businesses. Partially offsetting these improvements were increased interest on long-term debt and lower margins from regulated electricity operations.

Strategic direction — We are committed to increasing our annual earnings at a 6% average rate. Our growth strategy is to strengthen the core electric and gas utilities, add to our portfolio of non-regulated businesses and leverage investments in energy technology. Non-regulated growth is expected to shift over the next few years from profits from tax advantaged coal-based fuels businesses that generate Section 29 tax credits to growth from energy technologies, on-site energy projects, generation projects, energy trading, coal services, waste coal recovery and coal bed methane.

We operate our businesses through three strategic business units (Energy Resources, Energy Distribution and Energy Gas). Each business unit has regulated and non-regulated operations. The balance of our business consists of Corporate & Other. Based on this structure, we set strategic goals, allocate resources and evaluate performance.

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    2002     2001(1)     2000  
(in Millions, except per share data)  
   
   
 
Net Income (Loss)
                       
Energy Resources
                       
   
Regulated — Power Generation
  $ 241     $ 183     $ 252  
 
 
   
   
 
   
Non-regulated
                       
     
Energy Services
    182       115       100  
     
Energy Marketing & Trading
    25       44       10  
     
Other
    7       6       (7 )
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
Total Non-regulated
    214       165       103  
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
    455       348       355  
 
 
   
   
 
Energy Distribution
                       
   
Regulated — Power Distribution & Transmission
    153       186       175  
   
Non-regulated
    (16 )     (10 )     (10 )
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
    137       176       165  
 
 
   
   
 
Energy Gas
                       
   
Regulated — Gas Distribution
    66       15        
   
Non-regulated
    26       11        
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
    92       26        
 
 
   
   
 
Corporate & Other
    (52 )     (14 )     (36 )
 
 
   
   
 
Total
                       
   
Regulated
    460       384       427  
   
Non-regulated (2)
    172       152       57  
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
    632       536       484  
 
 
   
   
 
Merger and Restructuring Charges
          (175 )     (16 )
MCN Energy Merger Goodwill Amortization
          (29 )      
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
  $ 632     $ 332     $ 468  
 
 
   
   
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
                       
Regulated
    $ 2.79     $ 2.50     $ 2.99  
Non-regulated (2)
      1.04       .98       .40  
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
    3.83       3.48       3.39  
Merger and Restructuring Charges
          (1.13 )     (.12 )
MCN Energy Merger Goodwill Amortization
          (.19 )      
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
  $ 3.83     $ 2.16     $ 3.27  
 
 
   
   
 


(1)   2001 earnings were favorably impacted by $3 million, or $.02 per share, due to an accounting change.
 
(2)   Includes Corporate & Other.

ENERGY RESOURCES

Power Generation

The power generation plants of Detroit Edison comprise our regulated power generation business. Electricity is generated from Detroit Edison’s numerous fossil plants, its hydroelectric pumped storage plant and its nuclear plant and sold principally throughout Michigan and the Midwest to residential, commercial, industrial and wholesale customers.

Factors impacting income: Power Generation earnings increased $58 million in 2002 and decreased $69 million in 2001, compared to the prior year. As subsequently discussed, these results reflect changes in gross margins, increased operation and maintenance expenses, lower depreciation and amortization expenses and reduced property taxes.

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    2002     2001     2000  
   
   
   
 
(in Millions)
                       
Operating Revenues
  $ 2,711     $ 2,788     $ 2,911  
Fuel and Purchased Power
    (1,048 )     (1,231 )     (1,242 )
 
 
   
   
 
Gross Margin
    1,663       1,557       1,669  
Operation and Maintenance (1)
    (626 )     (571 )     (492 )
Depreciation and Amortization
    (331 )     (385 )     (468 )
Taxes other than Income
    (156 )     (148 )     (176 )
 
 
   
   
 
Operating Income
    550       453       533  
Other Income and (Deductions)
    (189 )     (184 )     (161 )
Income Tax Provision
    (120 )     (83 )     (120 )
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change (Note 15)
          (3 )      
 
 
   
   
 
Net Income
  $ 241     $ 183     $ 252  
 
 
   
   
 
Operating Income as a Percent of Operating Revenues
    20 %     16 %     18 %


(1)   Excludes merger and restructuring charges in 2001 and 2000.

Gross margins in 2002 improved $106 million due primarily to significantly lower purchased power costs, partially offset by reduced operating revenues. Average purchased power cost per unit in 2002 declined $39.08 per Megawatthour (MWh) from 2001 levels. The decline in revenues was due to a full year impact of a 5% legislatively mandated rate reduction for commercial and industrial customers that began in April 2001. Revenues from wholesale customers were reduced reflecting lower power prices. Revenues from retail customers were affected by customers switching to alternative suppliers under the electric Customer Choice program (Note 6). Partially offsetting these revenue reductions was the impact of weather, resulting in a 10% increase in cooling demand during 2002.

Gross margins in 2001 declined by $112 million reflecting lower operating revenues, slightly offset by lower fuel and purchased power costs. The reduced operating revenues were due to the impact of an economic recession, the electric Customer Choice program and securitization. Sales rates for commercial and industrial customers were lowered by the 5% rate reduction in April 2001. Commercial and industrial sales decreased due to increased participation of customers in the electric Customer Choice program. Industrial sales also reflect reduced auto and steel production, and the end of a special energy sales agreement with a large steel manufacturer in March of 2001. Partially offsetting these declines were increased revenues from residential and wholesale customers as well as higher revenues from providing other energy related services. Residential customer revenues reflect higher demand resulting from weather, partially offset by the impact of a 5% rate reduction that began in June 2000. Revenues from wholesale customers increased due to gains from settling forward sales contracts. The sales contracts were entered into to effectively close forward purchase contracts that hedged power supply costs. Accordingly, the gains from forward sales contracts were substantially offset by losses from forward purchase contracts, which are recorded as part of fuel and purchased power costs. Fuel and purchased power costs were also affected by lower system output resulting from reduced electric sales, as well as the result of using a more favorable power supply mix. The supply mix reflects an increased usage of lower-cost power from our generating plants and reduced usage of higher-cost purchased power.

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        2002             2001             2000          
       
           
           
         
(in Thousands of MWh)
                                               
Power Generated and Purchased
                                               
Power Plant Generation
                                               
 
Fossil
                                               
   
Coal
    37,381       64 %     38,424       69 %     40,039       67 %
   
Natural Gas
    1,414       2       1,283       2       1,667       3  
   
Other
    222       1       4             394       1  
 
Nuclear (Fermi 2)
    9,301       16       8,555       16       8,239       14  
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
    48,318       83       48,266       87       50,339       85  
Purchased Power
    9,807       17       7,482       13       8,877       15  
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
System Output
    58,125       100 %     55,748       100 %     59,216       100 %
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Average Unit Cost ($/MWh)
                                               
Generation (1)
  $ 12.53             $ 12.31             $ 12.78          
 
 
           
           
         
Purchased Power (2)
  $ 39.16             $ 78.24             $ 62.57          
 
 
           
           
         
Overall Average Unit Cost
  $ 17.02             $ 21.15             $ 20.24          
 
 
           
           
         


(1)   Represents fuel costs associated with power plants.
 
(2)   Includes amounts associated with hedging activities.

Operation and maintenance expense increased $55 million in 2002 and $79 million in 2001. Expense in both periods reflect an increase in planned and unplanned maintenance and reliability work for our power generation facilities, which reduces random outages at power plants and our reliance on purchased power. Additionally, both periods include higher employee pension and health care benefit costs, costs allocated from DTE Energy corporate for corporate support services, as well as the cost of funding the low income and energy efficiency fund. The funding of the low income and energy efficiency program was required under Michigan legislation and is recovered in current sales rates.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $54 million in 2002 and $83 million in 2001. The declines reflect the extension of the amortization period from seven years to 14 years for certain regulatory assets that were securitized in 2001. See Note 6 — Regulatory Matters.

Taxes other than income increased $8 million in 2002 and decreased $28 million in 2001. The 2001 decrease was due to lower property taxes resulting from new valuation tables approved by the Michigan State Tax Commission (STC). Several local taxing jurisdictions have taken legal action against the state of Michigan to prevent the STC from implementing the new valuation tables. See Note 16 — Commitments and Contingencies.

Outlook — Electric restructuring is expected to continue to result in increased customer choice in the retail electric generation business. Effective January 1, 2002, the electric Customer Choice program in Michigan was expanded to allow all electric customers to purchase their electricity from suppliers other than their local utility. As a result of customers choosing to participate in the electric Customer Choice program Detroit Edison lost 6% of retail sales in 2002 and estimates losing 10% to 13% of such sales in 2003. If Detroit Edison is unable to recover its fixed costs from retail customers due to lost sales under electric Customer Choice (stranded costs), Michigan law allows for the recovery of all such amounts from electric Customer Choice customers. Detroit Edison recorded a $21 million regulatory asset in 2002 representing stranded costs and other recoverable costs under Michigan legislation. The regulatory asset was calculated based on a refinement to the methodology approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The regulatory asset will be subject to review in future regulatory proceedings and we cannot predict the outcome of this matter. See Note 6 — Regulatory Matters.

Operating results are expected to vary as a result of various external factors such as weather, changes in economic conditions and the level of customer participation in the electric Customer Choice program.

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Energy Services

Energy Services is comprised of Coal-Based Fuels, On-Site Energy Projects and Merchant Generation. Coal-Based Fuels operations include producing synthetic fuel from nine synfuel plants and producing coke from three coke battery plants. Both processes generate tax credits under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code. On-Site Energy Projects include pulverized coal, power generation, steam production, chilled water, wastewater treatment and compressed air. Merchant Generation owns and operates four gas-fired peaking electric generating plants and develops and acquires gas and coal-fired generation.

                           
      2002     2001     2000  
     
   
   
 
(in Millions)
                       
Operating Revenues
                       
 
Coal-Based Fuels
  $ 599     $ 365     $ 293  
 
On-Site Energy Projects
    63       53       33  
 
Merchant Generation
    20       16       12  
 
 
   
   
 
 
    682       434       338  
Fuel and Purchased Power
    (380 )     (116 )     (61 )
Operation and Maintenance
    (320 )     (323 )     (260 )
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    (23 )     (36 )     (29 )
Taxes other than Income
    (14 )     (6 )     (1 )
 
 
   
   
 
Operating Loss
    (55 )     (47 )     (13 )
Other Income and (Deductions)
    (27 )     (11 )     (15 )
Income Tax Benefit
    264       173       128  
 
 
 
   
   
 
Net Income
  $ 182     $ 115     $ 100  
 
 
   
   
 

Factors impacting income: Earnings increased $67 million in 2002 and $15 million in 2001. Both periods reflect an increase in synfuel production, partially offset by a reduction in coke battery ownership. Four new synfuel production facilities became operational in 2002, compared to three new facilities in 2001. We sold a 95% interest in two of our synfuel projects during 2002. Tax credits from coke battery production decreased in both years reflecting the sale of a 49% interest in two of our coke battery projects in 2001. In 2002, consistent with the original purchase and sale agreement, our interest in the third coke battery was reduced from 95% to 5%.

Operating revenues and expenses increased significantly in 2002 and 2001 reflecting higher synfuel production. Synfuel projects generate operating losses which are offset by the resulting tax credits.

                               
(Dollars in Millions)   2002     2001     2000  
         
   
   
Coal-Based Fuels Statistics
                       
 
Synfuel Plants:
                       
   
Operational
    9       5       2  
 
 
   
   
 
   
Tax Credits Generated (1)
  $ 180.2     $ 64.1     $ 11.7  
 
 
   
   
 
 
Coke Battery Plants:
                       
   
Operational
    3       3       3  
 
 
   
   
 
   
Tax Credits Generated (1)
  $ 57.4     $ 88.6     $ 106.5  
 
 
   
   
 


(1)   DTE Energy’s portion of total tax credits generated

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Outlook — Energy Services strategy is to continue leveraging our extensive energy-related operating experience, and construction management capability to develop and grow the on-site energy and merchant generating businesses. We continue to evaluate opportunities to sell interests in some or all of our synfuel plants. Sales of interests in synfuel projects allow us to accelerate cash flow while maintaining a stable net income base. Coke battery tax credits expired at two of our three facilities in 2002 and the synfuel tax credits are scheduled to expire in 2007.

Energy Marketing & Trading

Energy Marketing & Trading consists of the electric and gas marketing and trading operations of DTE Energy Trading Company and CoEnergy Trading Company, which was acquired as part of the MCN Energy acquisition in May 2001. Energy Marketing & Trading focuses on physical power marketing and structured transactions, as well as the enhancement of returns from DTE Energy’s natural gas pipeline and storage assets. To this end, Energy Marketing & Trading enters into forwards, futures, swaps and option contracts as part of its trading strategy.

Factors impacting income: Earnings decreased $19 million in 2002 and increased $34 million in 2001 due to varying mark-to-market gains resulting from changes in gas and electric prices. Commodity price risk of the Energy Marketing & Trading segment is managed by utilizing derivative financial contracts to offset the risk inherent in the segment’s portfolio of electric and gas supply and sales agreements. The segment’s objective is to enter into new transactions that can be hedged and profitable from an economic standpoint. Energy Marketing & Trading accounts for this risk minimization strategy by marking to market its commodity forwards and financial derivatives so they substantially offset. This fair value accounting better aligns financial reporting with the way the business is managed and its performance measured.

In 2001, Energy Marketing & Trading experienced earnings volatility as a result of its production-related gas supply as well as from open positions related to its long-term gas transportation and storage assets. The segment receives gas produced from DTE Energy’s Exploration & Production (E&P) operations which is used to meet its commitments under long- term contracts with cogeneration customers. The E&P gas does not qualify for mark-to-market accounting. Energy Marketing & Trading recorded a gain in 2001 totaling approximately $50 million, net of taxes, primarily attributable to marking to market sales contracts with power generation customers without recording an offsetting loss from marking to market the production-related gas supply. In December 2001, Energy Marketing & Trading entered into hedge transactions that substantially mitigate the earnings volatility related to the gas contracts with power generation customers.

Energy Marketing & Trading deploys a gas storage, marketing and trading strategy primarily utilizing the facilities owned and operated by DTE Energy. Employing a combination of physical and financial contracts, in conjunction with the injection and withdrawal capabilities of the storage fields, the segment is able to capture seasonal price spreads. As forward prices change, the timing of the physical flow of gas is optimized to obtain the highest margin. Trades under this strategy are marked to market against the forward curve. Through December 2002, physical gas in storage was marked to the current spot price under fair value accounting rules. This difference in accounting for forward trades and gas in storage resulted in earnings volatility in 2002 and 2001 when price changes in the spot month did not correspond with those in future delivery months. Gas in storage in December 2002 was priced at a spot market rate of $5.10 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf), compared to $2.77 per Mcf in December 2001 and a May 31, 2001, acquisition date rate of $4.10 per Mcf. Significantly smaller changes in forward prices occurred during these same periods. As a result, the mark-to-market gains and losses on gas inventory were only partially offset by mark-to-market losses and gains on the storage-related derivatives.

Outlook — Energy Marketing & Trading will seek to gradually expand this business in a manner consistent with and complementary to the growth of our other business segments. Gas storage and

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transportation capacity enhances its ability to provide reliable and custom-tailored, bundled services to large-volume end users and utilities. This capacity, coupled with the synergies from DTE Energy’s other businesses, positions the segment to capitalize on opportunities for expansion of its market base.

Energy Marketing & Trading manages commodity price risk by utilizing derivative financial contracts to more fully balance its portfolio of gas and electric supply and sales agreements. Energy Marketing & Trading attempts to maintain a balanced, or flat book from an economic standpoint. However, Energy Marketing & Trading will experience earnings volatility as a result of its gas inventories and associated hedges. As discussed in Note 2, effective January 1, 2003, gas inventory does not qualify for mark-to-market accounting as a result of the rescission of Financial Accounting Standards Board Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 98-10.

Non-regulated — Other

Our other non-regulated businesses are comprised of our Coal Services and Biomass units. Coal Services specializes in minimizing energy production costs and maximizing reliability of supply for energy-intensive use customers. Biomass develops, owns and operates landfill recovery systems in the U.S. Gas produced from these landfill sites qualifies for Section 29 tax credits.

Factors impacting income: Earnings rose $1 million in 2002 and $13 million in 2001, reflecting higher revenues from an increase in the shipment of coal, as well as an increase in revenues and tax credits resulting from an increase in gas produced.

Outlook — We expect to continue to grow our Coal Services and Biomass units. Biomass currently has 30 operating sites and other projects under development. Section 29 tax credits related to Biomass operations expire in 2007.

ENERGY DISTRIBUTION

Power Distribution & Transmission

Power Distribution & Transmission operations include the electric distribution services and steam heating businesses of Detroit Edison, and the electric transmission services of the International Transmission Company (ITC). Energy Distribution distributes electricity generated by Energy Resources and alternative electric suppliers to Detroit Edison’s 2.1 million customers.

                         
    2002     2001     2000  
   
   
   
 
(in Millions)
                       
Operating Revenues
  $ 1,365     $ 1,263     $ 1,218  
Fuel and Purchased Power
    (26 )     (10 )     (29 )
Operation and Maintenance (1)
    (568 )     (477 )     (460 )
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    (268 )     (259 )     (251 )
Taxes other than Income
    (135 )     (126 )     (113 )
 
 
   
   
 
Operating Income
    368       391       365  
Other Income and (Deductions)
    (135 )     (131 )     (129 )
Income Tax Provision
    (80 )     (74 )     (61 )
 
 
   
   
 
Net Income
  $ 153     $ 186     $ 175  
 
 
   
   
 
Operating Income as a Percent of Operating Revenues
    27 %     31 %     30 %


(1)   Excludes merger and restructuring charges in 2001 and 2000.

Factors impacting income: Earnings decreased $33 million in 2002 and increased $11 million in 2001. The 2002 decrease is due primarily to increased operating and maintenance expenses, partially offset by higher operating revenue. Operation and maintenance expenses were affected by expenses associated with restoring power to customers who lost service during two catastrophic storms during 2002, as well as

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heat-related maintenance expenses due to prolonged periods of above normal summer temperatures and the related stress placed on the distribution system. Additionally, operation and maintenance expenses reflect increased costs associated with customer service process improvements, uncollectible accounts expense, and employee benefit expenses. Operating revenues increased due primarily to higher residential sales attributable to greater cooling demand.

The 2001 earnings improvement is due primarily to higher residential sales resulting from weather, partially offset by the impact of a 5% rate reduction that began in June 2000.

Below are volumes associated with the regulated power distribution and transmission business:

                         
    2002     2001     2000  
   
   
   
 
(in Thousands of MWh)
                       
Electric Deliveries
                       
Residential
    15,958       14,503       13,903  
Commercial
    18,395       18,777       19,762  
Industrial
    13,590       14,430       16,090  
Wholesale
    2,249       2,159       2,277  
 
 
   
   
 
 
    50,192       49,869       52,032  
Electric Choice
    3,510       1,268       202  
 
 
   
   
 
Total Electric Deliveries
    53,702       51,137       52,234  
 
 
   
   
 

Outlook — Regulated electric system deliveries are expected to continue to increase in 2003 due to continued territory and economic growth. Operating results are expected to vary as a result of various external factors such as weather, changes in economic conditions and the severity and frequency of storms. In January 2003, we sold our steam business and will record a net of tax loss in the 2003 first quarter of approximately $13 million. In the fourth quarter of 2002, we entered into an agreement to sell ITC for $610 million. The sale closed on February 28, 2003 and generated a net of tax gain of approximately $75 million.

Several Midwest utilities seek to recover lost transmission revenues associated with the creation of multiple regional transmission organizations in the Midwest. Positions advocated by several parties in a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proceeding could require that Detroit Edison and its customers be responsible for increased transmission costs. Detroit Edison continues to actively participate in this proceeding and depending upon the outcome would subsequently seek rate recovery of these costs.

Non-Regulated

Non-regulated energy distribution operations consist primarily of DTE Energy Technologies that markets and distributes a broad portfolio of distributed generation products, provides application engineering, and monitors and manages system operations.

Factors impacting income: Losses increased $6 million during 2002 due primarily to expenses associated with the establishment of new sales offices in the distributed generation business.

Outlook — DTE Energy Technologies expects to continue the expansion of its product portfolios and support capabilities in North America and the development of marketing relationships in other parts of the world. We plan to develop and launch new products in 2003 that are critical to our plan to increase revenues and generate operating profits by 2004.

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ENERGY GAS

Gas Distribution

Gas Distribution operations include gas distribution services primarily provided by MichCon, our gas utility that purchases, stores and distributes natural gas to 1.2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers located throughout Michigan.

                         
    2002     2001     2000  
   
   
   
 
(in Millions)
                       
Operating Revenues
  $ 1,369     $ 615     $  
Fuel and Purchased Power
    (774 )     (304 )      
 
 
   
   
 
Gross Margins
    595       311          
Operation and Maintenance (1)
    (297 )     (194 )      
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    (104 )     (61 )      
Taxes other than Income
    (51 )     (24 )      
 
 
   
   
 
Operating Income
    143       32        
Other Income and (Deductions)
    (41 )     (38 )      
Income Tax Benefit (Provision)
    (36 )     21        
 
 
   
   
 
Net Income
  $ 66     $ 15     $  
 
 
   
   
 
Operating Income as a Percent of Operating Revenues
    10 %     5 %     %


(1)   Excludes merger and restructuring charges in 2001 and 2000.

Factors impacting income: Gas Distribution had income of $66 million in 2002 compared to $15 million in 2001. The significant improvement in 2002 reflects a full year of operations from MichCon, which was acquired in conjunction with the MCN Energy merger in May 2001. In contrast to 2001, the 2002 results include the January through April period when demand for natural gas is at its highest.

Warmer than normal weather during 2002 and 2001 reduced Gas Distribution’s earnings by $11 million and $13 million, respectively. Operations and maintenance expenses in 2002 were affected by higher uncollectible accounts expense, employee benefit expenses, and costs associated with customer service process improvements.

The pro-forma impact of the MCN Energy acquisition on DTE Energy is discussed in Note 4 — Acquisitions and Dispositions.

Outlook — Gas restructuring is expected to continue to result in increased customer choice in the gas sales business. In December 2001, the MPSC issued an order that continues the gas Customer Choice program on a permanent and expanding basis beginning with the conclusion of the three-year temporary program on March 31, 2002. Under the expanded program, beginning April 1, 2002, up to approximately 40% of customers could elect to purchase gas from suppliers other than MichCon. Beginning in April 2003, up to approximately 60% of customers could participate and beginning April 2004, all 1.2 million of MichCon’s gas customers could choose to participate. Since MichCon continues to transport and deliver the gas to the participating customer premises at prices comparable to margins earned on gas sales, customers switching to other suppliers have little impact on MichCon’s earnings. As of December 2002, approximately 190,000 customers were participating in the gas Customer Choice program.

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Under the MPSC order, MichCon returned to a gas cost recovery (GCR) mechanism upon termination of its three-year experimental Gas Sales Program in December 2001. Under the GCR mechanism, the gas commodity component of MichCon’s sales rates is designed to recover the actual costs of gas purchases. In December 2001, the MPSC issued an order permitting MichCon to implement GCR factors up to $3.62 per Mcf for January 2002 billings and up to $4.38 per Mcf for the remainder of 2002. The order also allowed MichCon to recognize a regulatory asset of approximately $14 million representing the difference between the $4.38 factor and the $3.62 factor for volumes that were unbilled at December 31, 2001. The regulatory asset will be subject to the 2002 GCR reconciliation process. In July 2002, in response to a petition for rehearing filed by the Michigan Attorney General, the MPSC directed the parties to address MichCon’s implementation of the December 2001 order and the impact of that implementation on rates charged to MichCon’s customers. Also, in July 2002, an MPSC Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) issued a Proposal for Decision on MichCon’s 2002 GCR plan case. In that decision the ALJ recommended adoption of the MPSC Staff’s proposed $26.5 million reduction in gas cost due to MichCon’s decision to utilize storage gas during 2001 that resulted in a gas inventory decrement for the 2001 calendar year. On March 12, 2003, the MPSC ordered MichCon to reduce revenues by $26.5 million for purposes of calculating the 2002 GCR expense in the 2002 GCR reconciliation proceeding. See Note 6 — Regulatory Matters — Gas Industry Restructuring and Note 22 — Subsequent Event — Regulatory Matters — Gas Industry Restructuring.

Gas Distribution’s future operating results will vary as a result of weather and changes in economic conditions.

Non-regulated

Non-regulated operations include the gas and oil Exploration & Production business, and the gas Pipelines & Processing business. E&P produces gas from proven reserves owned in northern Michigan and sells the gas to the Energy Marketing & Trading segment. Pipelines & Processing has partnership interests in two interstate transmission pipelines, seven carbon dioxide processing facilities and a natural gas storage field. The assets of these businesses primarily support the Energy Marketing & Trading segment.

Factors impacting income: Earnings were $26 million in 2002 compared with $11 million in 2001. The results reflect a full year of operations of the E&P and Pipeline & Processing businesses that were acquired in conjunction with the MCN Energy acquisition in May 2001.

Outlook — We expect to further develop our gas production properties in northern Michigan and our pipelines, processing and storage assets to support other DTE Energy businesses. Additionally, we expect to continue exploring opportunities in the coal bed methane gas production business to leverage our E&P capabilities, skills and experience.

CORPORATE & OTHER

Corporate & Other had a loss of $52 million in 2002 compared with a loss of $14 million in 2001. The increased loss was due to higher interest expense resulting from increased debt and a full year impact of corporate debt assumed in the MCN Energy acquisition. Additionally, results reflect a reserve of $11 million (pre-tax) for the possible loss associated with direct loans to and the guarantee of debt of a technology investment.

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CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

                             
        2002     2001     2000  
       
   
   
 
(in Millions)
                       
Cash and Cash Equivalents
                       
Cash Flow From (Used For)
                       
 
Operating activities:
                       
   
Net income, depreciation, depletion and amortization
  $ 1,391     $ 1,127     $ 1,226  
   
Merger and restructuring charges
          215        
   
Deferred income taxes
    (208 )     (7 )     (133 )
   
Working capital and other
    (209 )     (524 )     (78 )
 
 
   
   
 
 
    974       811       1,015  
 
Investing activities (1)
    (1,115 )     (2,286 )     (674 )
 
Financing activities (2)
    6       1,679       (310 )
   
 
 
   
   
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ (135 )   $ 204     $ 31  
 
 
   
   
 


(1)   Includes acquisition of MCN Energy in 2001.
 
(2)   Includes $1.75 billion of securitization bonds issued in 2001.

Operating Activities

Our consolidated net cash from operating activities increased $163 million in 2002 and decreased $204 million in 2001. We use cash derived from operating activities to maintain and expand our core electric and gas utility businesses and to grow our non-regulated businesses. In addition, we use cash from operations to retire long-term debt and pay dividends. The increase in 2002 was attributable to higher net income, after adjusting for noncash items (depreciation, amortization and deferred taxes), partially offset by higher working capital requirements. Working capital requirements reflect an increase in accounts receivable and gas inventories. Accounts receivable collections were slowed in our utility business due to billing issues associated with our new combined billing system that have been resolved. The decline in 2001 resulted primarily from lower earnings, after adjusting for noncash items including merger and restructuring charges, and higher working capital requirements. Working capital was affected by the seasonal requirements in the second half of 2001 of the gas business where cash is used to finance increases in gas inventories and customer accounts receivable.

Outlook — We expect our cash flow from operations will increase in 2003 due to earnings growth, and by better managing our working capital requirements, including the continued focus of reducing past due accounts receivable. These expected improvements will be partially offset by a $222 million contribution to our pension plan in January 2003.

Investing Activities

Our net cash used for investing activities decreased $1.2 billion in 2002 and increased $1.6 billion in 2001. The cash consideration portion of the MCN Energy acquisition totaled $1.2 billion and impacts the comparison of the periods. In 2002, capital expenditures in regulated and non-regulated businesses were lower, partially offset by reduced proceeds from the sale of non-strategic assets. In 2001, higher regulated capital expenditures at Detroit Edison were due to new air quality regulations that require reductions in nitrogen oxide levels as discussed in the following “Environmental Matters” section.

Outlook — Our strategic direction anticipates base level capital investments and expenditures for existing businesses in 2003 totaling approximately $850 million, of which approximately $700 million will be in regulated gas and electric operations and the remaining $150 million in non-regulated businesses.

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Approximately $100 million of the regulated capital expenditures will be incurred by our Power Generation business to comply with new ozone and air quality regulations. Investments in new non-regulated growth businesses could push actual capital investments and expenditures over $1 billion. The actual level of non-regulated investments and expenditures will depend on new market opportunities. We also sold ITC in 2003 for approximately $610 million.

The proposed level of investments and expenditures in future years is expected to be financed primarily with internally generated funds, including proceeds from the sale of non-strategic assets. We will evaluate divesting of assets and investments that do not meet certain return criteria or are not consistent with our strategic direction to maximize shareholder value.

We believe that we will have sufficient capital resources, both internal and external, to meet anticipated capital requirements.

Financing Activities

Our consolidated net cash related to financing activities decreased $1.7 billion in 2002 and increased $2 billion in 2001. The 2001 issuance of $1.75 billion of securitization bonds and the 2001 issuance of $1.35 billion of long-term debt to finance the acquisition of MCN Energy impacts the comparison of the periods. In 2002, proceeds from the issuance of debt and common stock were used for the redemption of higher cost debt and to reduce short-term borrowings. In 2001, proceeds from the issuance of securitization bonds and other Detroit Edison and MichCon debt were used to repay debt and repurchase our common stock. Details of 2002 financing activities follows:

  In January 2002, DTE Energy Trust I, a wholly owned trust of the company, issued $180 million of 7.8% Trust Preferred Securities. The proceeds were used to redeem the 8-5/8% Trust Originated Preferred Securities and the 9-3/8% Redeemable Cumulative Preferred Securities.
 
  In April 2002, DTE Energy issued $200 million of 6.65% senior notes, due 2009. The proceeds were used to retire MCN Energy Enterprises Remarketable Securities that had an aggregate principal amount of $100 million, and to reduce short-term borrowings.
 
  In June 2002, DTE Energy issued 6.9 million equity-linked security units at $25 per unit. An equity security unit consists of a stock purchase contract and a senior note of DTE Energy. DTE Energy used the net proceeds of $167 million from this issuance for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of short-term borrowings.
 
  In June 2002, DTE Energy also issued 6.325 million shares of common stock at $43.25 per share, grossing $273.6 million. Net proceeds from the common stock offering were $265 million and were used for general corporate purposes.
 
  In October 2002, Detroit Edison issued $225 million of 5.20% senior notes, due 2012, and $225 million of 6.35% senior notes, due 2032. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including debt redemptions and the repayment of short-term borrowings.
 
  In December 2002, Detroit Edison issued $64 million of 5.45% tax exempt bonds and $56 million of 5.25% tax exempt bonds, due 2032. The proceeds were used for the refunding of tax exempt bonds and to finance costs to be incurred for pollution control facilities at our power plants.

In October 2002, DTE Energy, Detroit Edison and MichCon entered into separate revolving credit facilities with a syndicate of banks totaling $1.2 billion. Our revolving credit facilities contain customary covenants. One important aspect of these agreements requires us to maintain a debt to total capitalization ratio of not more than .65 to 1, and an “earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization” to interest ratio of no less than 2 to 1. See Note 13 — Short-Term Credit Arrangements and Borrowings.

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DTE Energy, Detroit Edison and MichCon have effective shelf registrations with the SEC that allow for the issuance of up to $1.9 billion of debt and equity securities.

In February 2003, MichCon issued $200 million of 5.7% senior notes, due in 2033. The proceeds were used for debt redemption.

Outlook — Our capitalization objective is to maintain our credit ratings through a strong balance sheet. Our capitalization objective is a 50% to 55% leverage target (excluding certain debt, principally securitization debt.) We have issued guarantees for the benefit of various non-regulated subsidiary transactions. We do not anticipate any credit rating downgrades, however in the event that our credit rating is downgraded below investment grade certain of these guarantees would require us to post cash or letters of credit valued at approximately $200 million at December 31, 2002.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

There are estimates used in preparing the consolidated financial statements that require considerable judgment. Such estimates relate to regulation, risk management and trading activities, Section 29 tax credits, goodwill, pension and post retirement costs, and the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Regulation

A significant portion of our business is subject to regulation. Detroit Edison, MichCon and ITC currently meet the criteria of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71, “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation.” Application of this standard results in differences in the application of generally accepted accounting principles between regulated and non-regulated businesses. SFAS No. 71 requires the recording of regulatory assets and liabilities for certain transactions that would have been treated as revenue or expense in non-regulated businesses. Future regulatory changes or changes in the competitive environment could result in discontinuing the application of SFAS No. 71 for some or all of our businesses. If we were to discontinue the application of SFAS No. 71 on all our operations, we estimate that the extraordinary noncash loss would be as follows:

         
(in millions)        
Regulated Entity        

MichCon
  $ (28 )
Detroit Edison (1)
    (27 )
ITC
    (6 )
 
 
 
Total
  $ (61 )
 
 
 

     
(1)   Excludes securitized regulatory assets

Management believes that currently available facts support the continued application of SFAS No. 71 and that all regulatory assets and liabilities are recoverable or refundable in the current rate environment.

Risk Management and Trading Activities

All derivatives are recorded at fair value and shown as “Assets or liabilities from risk management and trading activities” in the consolidated statement of financial position. Risk management activities are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Through December 2002, trading activities were accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 98-10, “Accounting for Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities.” Effective January 2003, trading activities are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133. See Note 2- New Accounting Pronouncements.

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The offsetting entry to “Assets or liabilities from risk management and trading activities” is to other comprehensive income or earnings depending on the use of the derivative, how it is designated and if it qualifies for hedge accounting. The fair values of derivative contracts were adjusted each reporting period for changes using market sources such as:

  published exchange traded market data
 
  prices from external sources
 
  price based on valuation models

Market quotes are more readily available for short duration contracts. Effective in 2003, fair value measurements must be evidenced by similar transactions in the marketplace.

Section 29 Tax Credits

We have generated Section 29 tax credits from our synfuel, coke battery and biomass operations. Seven of our synthetic fuel facilities have received favorable private letter rulings from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with respect to their operations. The remaining two rulings have been requested and are expected in 2003. These tax credits are subject to review by the IRS and if we fail to prevail through the administrative and legal process, there could be a significant tax liability owed for previously taken Section 29 tax credits. Our portion of tax credits generated was $250 million in 2002, up from $165 million in 2001 and $130 million in 2000. Outside firms assist us in assuring we operate in accordance with our private letter rulings and within the parameters of the law, as well as calculating the value of tax credits.

Goodwill

Certain of our business units have goodwill resulting from purchase business combinations. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” each of our reporting units with goodwill is required to perform impairment tests annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill may be impaired. In order to perform these impairment tests, we must determine the reporting unit’s fair value using valuation techniques, which use estimates of discounted future cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. These cash flow estimates involve judgments based on a broad range of information and historical results. To the extent estimated cash flows are revised downward, the reporting unit may be required to write down all or a portion of its goodwill which would adversely impact our earnings. As of December 31, 2002, our goodwill totaled $2.1 billion and we determined that no impairment exists.

Pension and Postretirement Costs

Our cost of providing pension and postretirement benefits are dependent upon a number of factors, including rates of return on plan assets, the discount rate and the rate of increase in health care costs.

We had pension income for qualified pension plans of $9 million in 2002 and pension expense of $159 million in 2001 and $9 million in 2000. Postretirement benefits expense for all plans was $70 million in 2002, $104 million in 2001 and $44 million in 2000. Pension and postretirement benefits expense is calculated based upon a number of actuarial assumptions, including an expected long-term rate of return on our plan assets of 9.0% at December 31, 2002. In developing our expected long-term rate of return assumption, we evaluated input from our consultants, including their review of asset class return expectations as well as long-term inflation assumptions. Projected returns by such consultants are based on broad equity and bond markets. Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on an asset allocation assumption of 65% in equity markets, 28% in fixed income markets, and 7% invested in other assets. Because of market volatility, we periodically review our asset allocation and rebalance our portfolio when considered appropriate. Given market conditions we believe that 9% is a reasonable long-term rate of return on our plan assets, despite the recent financial market downturn. We will continue to evaluate our actuarial assumptions, including our expected rate of return, at least annually.

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We base our determination of the expected return on plan assets for pension benefits on a market-related valuation of assets which reduces year-to-year volatility. This market-related valuation recognizes changes in fair value in a systematic manner over a three-year period. Because of this method, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded. We have unrecognized net losses due to the recent unfavorable performance of the financial markets. As of December 31, 2002, we had cumulative losses of approximately $375 million which remain to be recognized in the calculation of the market-related value of assets. These unrecognized net losses may result in increases in our future pension expense.

The discount rate that we utilize for determining future pension and postretirement benefit obligations is based on a review of long-term bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency. The discount rate determined on this basis has decreased from 7.25% at December 31, 2001 to 6.75% at December 31, 2002. Due to recent financial market performance, lower discount rates and increased health care trend rates we estimate that our 2003 pension expense will approximate $70 million and our postretirement benefit expense will approximate $141 million. We have also made modifications to the pension and postretirement benefit plans to mitigate the earnings impact of the higher costs. Future actual pension and postretirement benefit expense will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and various other factors related to plan design.

Lowering the expected long-term rate of return on our pension plan assets by 0.5% would have increased our 2002 pension expense by approximately $12 million and our postretirement benefit expense by $3 million. Lowering the discount rate and the salary increase assumptions by 0.5% would have increased our pension expense for 2002 by approximately $3 million. Lowering the discount rate and the health care cost trend assumptions by 0.5% would have decreased our postretirement benefit expense for 2002 by approximately $4 million.

The market value of our pension and postretirement benefit plan assets has been affected by sharp declines in the financial markets since 2000. The value of our plan assets has decreased from $2.8 billion at December 31, 2001, to $2.4 billion at December 31, 2002. The investment performance returns and declining discount rates have required us to recognize at December 31, 2002, an additional minimum pension liability of $855 million, an intangible asset of $57 million and an entry to other comprehensive loss (shareholders’ equity) of $518 million, net of tax. The additional minimum pension liability and related accounting entries would be reversed on the balance sheet in future periods if the fair value of plan assets exceeds the accumulated pension benefit obligations. The recording of the minimum pension liability does not affect net income or cash flow.

Pension and postretirement costs and pension cash funding requirements will increase in future years without a substantial recovery in the financial markets. We made a $35 million cash contribution to the pension plan in 2002 and a $222 million cash contribution in January 2003. We also contributed $33 million to the postretirement plans in 2002, and expect to contribute at $80 million by the end of 2003.

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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts