EX-5.1 2 exhibit51.htm EXHIBIT 5.1 Exhibit 5.1


EXHIBIT 5.1

Patrick B. Carey
Associate General Counsel - DTE Energy Company
DTE Energy Company
One Energy Plaza; Detroit, Michigan 48226-1279
Tel: 313.235.3260     Fax: 313.235.8500




        
                                    

February 27, 2015


DTE Energy Company
One Energy Plaza
Detroit, Michigan 48226


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Reference is made to the registration statement on Form S-8 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by DTE Energy Company, a Michigan corporation (the “Company) with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), 10,000,000 shares of common stock, without par value and related rights (the “Common Stock”), of the Company for the following Company plans (the “Plans”):

1.
DTE Energy Company Savings and Stock Ownership Plan
2.
DTE Gas Company Investment and Stock Ownership Plan
3.
DTE Electric Company Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for Employees Represented by Local 17 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
4.
DTE Electric Company Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for Employees Represented by Local 223 of the Utility Workers Union of America

         I, as Associate General Counsel of the Company, in conjunction with an attorney or attorneys under my general supervision, have examined such certificates, instruments and documents (collectively, “Documents”) and reviewed such questions of law as I have considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion. In rendering this opinion, I have assumed, without independent verification, that: (i) all signatures are genuine; (ii) all Documents submitted to me as originals are authentic; and (iii) all Documents submitted to me as copies conform to the originals of such Documents. My review has been limited to examining the Documents and applicable law.

         Based upon the foregoing examination and review, it is my opinion that:





1.     
The Company is duly incorporated and validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Michigan.

2.     
The issuance of shares of Common Stock has been duly authorized by all requisite action (corporate or otherwise) of the Company, and when such shares of Common Stock shall have been duly issued and delivered by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Plans, such Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

         I am qualified to practice law in the State of Michigan, and in rendering this opinion, my examination of matters of law has been limited to, and I express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdictions other than, the laws of the State of Michigan and the Federal laws of the United States.

         I consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to me in the materials constituting any Plan prospectus. In giving such consent, I do not thereby admit that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.

Very truly yours,


/s/ PATRICK B. CAREY
Patrick B. Carey
Associate General Counsel