| Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter, | ||||
| Commission | State of Incorporation, Address of Principal Executive | IRS Employer | ||
| File Number | Offices and Telephone Number | Identification No. | ||
1-11607
|
DTE Energy Company | 38-3217752 | ||
| (a Michigan corporation) | ||||
| One Energy Plaza | ||||
| Detroit, Michigan 48226-1279 | ||||
| 313-235-4000 | ||||
1-2198
|
The Detroit Edison Company | 38-0478650 | ||
| (a Michigan corporation) | ||||
| One Energy Plaza | ||||
| Detroit, Michigan 48226-1279 | ||||
| 313-235-4000 |
| o | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
|
| o | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
|
| o | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
|
| o | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Item 8.01. Other Events.
As previously disclosed in our quarterly and annual reports, in July 2009, DTE Energy Company (DTE Energy) received a Notice of Violation/Finding of Violation (NOV/FOV) from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) alleging, among other things, that five of The Detroit Edison Company’s (Detroit Edison) power plants violated New Source Performance standards, Prevention of Significant Deterioration requirements, and Title V operating permit requirements under the Clean Air Act. In June 2010, EPA issued a NOV/FOV making similar allegations related to a recent project and outage at Unit 2 of the Monroe Power Plant.
On August 5, 2010, the United States Department of Justice, at the request of EPA, brought a civil suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against DTE Energy and Detroit Edison, related to the June 2010 NOV/FOV and the outage work performed at Unit 2 of the Monroe Power Plant, but not relating to the July 2009 NOV/FOV. Among other relief, the EPA is requesting the court to require Detroit Edison to install and operate the best available control technology at Unit 2 of the Monroe Power Plant. Further, the EPA is requesting the court to issue a preliminary injunction to require Detroit Edison to (i) begin the process of obtaining the necessary permits for the Monroe Unit 2 modification and (ii) offset the pollution from Monroe Unit 2 through emissions reductions from Detroit Edison’s fleet of coal-fired power plants until the new control equipment is operating.
DTE Energy and Detroit Edison believe that the plants identified by the EPA, including Unit 2 of the Monroe Power Plant, have complied with all applicable federal environmental regulations. Depending upon the outcome of discussions with the EPA regarding the NOV/FOV and the result of the civil action, Detroit Edison could also be required to install additional pollution control equipment at some or all of the power plants in question, consider early retirement of facilities where control equipment is not economical, engage in supplemental environmental programs, and/or pay fines. DTE Energy and Detroit Edison cannot predict the financial impact or outcome of this matter, or the timing of its resolution.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various assumptions, risks and uncertainties. It should be read in conjunction with the “Forward-Looking Statements” section in DTE Energy’s and Detroit Edison’s 2009 Form 10-K and 2010 Forms 10-Q (which sections are incorporated by reference herein), and in conjunction with other SEC reports filed by DTE Energy and Detroit Edison that discuss important factors that could cause DTE Energy’s and Detroit Edison’s actual results to differ materially. DTE Energy and Detroit Edison expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained in this report as a result of new information or future events or developments.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: August 11, 2010
DTE ENERGY COMPANY
(Registrant)
/s/ Bruce D. Peterson
Bruce D. Peterson
Senior Vice President & General Counsel
THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY
(Registrant)
/s/ Randall L. Rutkofske
Randall L. Rutkofske
General Counsel