GRAND RAPIDS - DTE Energy Chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson recognized Greater Michigan's growing economic influence in the state and its importance to the utility's business at a meeting the company held with community leaders at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on Tuesday.

'DTE Energy has a long, proud history in Greater Michigan, and we are investing in the future of the region,' Anderson said. 'We are investing heavily in our Ludington Pumped Storage power plant and recently acquired a large gas-fired power plant in Carson City. We are replacing gas mains, moving gas meters out of houses and installing advanced meters on homes and businesses to support the region's economic progress. We recognize this part of the state is critical to our company and to Michigan, and we are dedicated to doing our part to keep it moving forward.'

DTE Gas has 550,000 customers, serves 1.2 million citizens and has about 20 facilities throughout the Grand Rapids region, Northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

For nearly 150 years, DTE Energy has been committed to Michigan, beyond the services and products it provides. The DTE Energy Foundation provided $12 million in funding to support more than 400 non-profits statewide. This includes substantial support for institutions, such as Grand Valley State University and The Right Place, making grants that support small businesses and growth of the West Michigan economy. In addition, it encompasses a partnership with United Way Lakeshore to fund 80 summer jobs for youth ages 14-24 in Muskegon, Traverse City, Big Rapids and Baldwin.

The Foundation also works to support large events that bring not only economic investment to local communities, but engage and delight thousands of residents and visitors through grants made to Ferris State University, GRandJazzFest, ArtPrize and the National Cherry Festival.

'DTE has 880 employees throughout Greater Michigan who, day in and day out, commit their time and energy to the customers and the communities we serve,' said Mark Stiers, president and COO, DTE Gas. 'Employee volunteerism is a cornerstone of our corporate citizenship. In addition to charitable giving, thousands of our employees donated time to hundreds of organizations in the past year. We recognize it is our responsibility to help make the region a great place to live, work and play.'

2015 marks the first year DTE Energy has gathered Grand Rapids business, community, municipality and nonprofit leaders in a formal setting to engage in a dialogue around economic investments, community needs, and Michigan's Energy Future.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the 450 Michigan communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. For more information about DTE Energy, visit dteenergy.com twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

For further information, members of the media may call:

Randi Berris or Stephanie Beres, DTE Energy, 313.235.5555

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