FAIR VALUE

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in a principal or most advantageous market. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on inputs, which refer broadly to assumptions that market participants use in pricing assets or liabilities. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs. The Registrants make certain assumptions they believe that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk, and the risks inherent in the inputs to valuation techniques. Credit risk of the Registrants and their counterparties is incorporated in the valuation of assets and liabilities through the use of credit reserves, the impact of which was immaterial at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Registrants believe they use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable market-based inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

A fair value hierarchy has been established that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value in three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. All assets and liabilities are required to be classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Assessing the significance of a particular input may require judgment considering factors specific to the asset or liability, and may affect the valuation of the asset or liability and its placement within the fair value hierarchy. The Registrants classify fair value balances based on the fair value hierarchy defined as follows:


•	Level 1 — Consists of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Registrants have the ability to access as of the reporting date.


•	Level 2 — Consists of inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data.


•	Level 3 — Consists of unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies using inputs that are generally less readily observable and supported by little, if any, market activity at the measurement date. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best available information and subject to cost-benefit constraints.

The following table presents assets and liabilities for DTE Energy measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	December 31, 2015															December 31, 2014
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Netting (a)			Net Balance			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Netting (a)			Net Balance
	(In millions)
Assets:
Cash equivalents (b)	$	13		$	3		$	—		$	—		$	16		$	13		$	99		$	—		$	—		$	112
Nuclear decommissioning trusts	759			477			—			—			1,236			792			449			—			—			1,241
Other investments (c)	149			—			—			—			149			100			50			—			—			150
Derivative assets:
Commodity Contracts:
Natural Gas	193			91			103			(285		)	102			555			140			92			(681		)	106
Electricity	—			239			68			(232		)	75			—			295			47			(280		)	62
Other	2			—			3			(2		)	3			42			—			3			(42		)	3
Other derivative contracts (d)	—			12			—			(9		)	3			—			4			—			(3		)	1
Total derivative assets	195			342			174			(528		)	183			597			439			142			(1,006		)	172
Total	$	1,116		$	822		$	174		$	(528	)	$	1,584		$	1,502		$	1,037		$	142		$	(1,006	)	$	1,675

Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities:
Commodity Contracts:
Natural Gas	$	(218	)	$	(57	)	$	(108	)	$	294		$	(89	)	$	(578	)	$	(78	)	$	(62	)	$	679		$	(39	)
Electricity	—			(243		)	(62		)	253			(52		)	—			(290		)	(52		)	298			(44		)
Other	(2		)	—			(8		)	8			(2		)	(32		)	(9		)	(4		)	45			—
Other derivative contracts (d)	—			(7		)	—			7			—			—			(5		)	—			3			(2		)
Total derivative liabilities	(220		)	(307		)	(178		)	562			(143		)	(610		)	(382		)	(118		)	1,025			(85		)
Total	$	(220	)	$	(307	)	$	(178	)	$	562		$	(143	)	$	(610	)	$	(382	)	$	(118	)	$	1,025		$	(85	)
Net Assets (Liabilities) at the end of the period	$	896		$	515		$	(4	)	$	34		$	1,441		$	892		$	655		$	24		$	19		$	1,590
Assets:
Current	$	174		$	284		$	128		$	(441	)	$	145		$	582		$	504		$	109		$	(955	)	$	240
Noncurrent (e)	942			538			46			(87		)	1,439			920			533			33			(51		)	1,435
Total Assets	$	1,116		$	822		$	174		$	(528	)	$	1,584		$	1,502		$	1,037		$	142		$	(1,006	)	$	1,675
Liabilities:
Current	$	(174	)	$	(260	)	$	(87	)	$	464		$	(57	)	$	(572	)	$	(357	)	$	(112	)	$	964		$	(77	)
Noncurrent	(46		)	(47		)	(91		)	98			(86		)	(38		)	(25		)	(6		)	61			(8		)
Total Liabilities	$	(220	)	$	(307	)	$	(178	)	$	562		$	(143	)	$	(610	)	$	(382	)	$	(118	)	$	1,025		$	(85	)
Net Assets (Liabilities) at the end of the period	$	896		$	515		$	(4	)	$	34		$	1,441		$	892		$	655		$	24		$	19		$	1,590

_______________________________________


(a)	Amounts represent the impact of master netting agreements that allow DTE Energy to net gain and loss positions and cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties.

(b)

At December 31, 2015, available-for-sale securities of $16 million included $8 million and $8 million of cash equivalents included in Restricted cash and Other investments on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, respectively. At December 31, 2014, available-for-sale securities of $112 million, included $105 million and $7 million of cash equivalents included in Restricted cash and Other investments on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, respectively.


(c)	Excludes cash surrender value of life insurance investments.


(d)	Primarily includes foreign currency exchange contracts.


(e)	Includes $149 million and $150 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of other investments that are included in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position in Other investments.

The following table presents assets for DTE Electric measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	December 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Net Balance		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Net Balance
	(In millions)
Assets:
Cash equivalents (a)	$	5	$	3	$	—	$	8	$	5	$	99	$	—	$	104
Nuclear decommissioning trusts	759		477		—		1,236		792		449		—		1,241
Other investments	8		—		—		8		97		50		—		147
Derivative assets — FTRs	—		—		3		3		—		—		3		3
Total	$	772	$	480	$	3	$	1,255	$	894	$	598	$	3	$	1,495

Assets:
Current	$	5	$	3	$	3	$	11	$	5	$	99	$	3	$	107
Noncurrent	767		477		—		1,244		889		499		—		1,388
Total Assets	$	772	$	480	$	3	$	1,255	$	894	$	598	$	3	$	1,495

_______________________________________

(a)

At December 31, 2015, available-for-sale securities of $8 million consisted of cash equivalents included in Other investments on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. At December 31, 2014, available-for-sale securities of $104 million included $96 million and $8 million of cash equivalents included in Restricted cash and Other investments, respectively, on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. The cash equivalents shown in the fair value table are comprised of short-term investments and money market funds.

Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts and Other Investments

The nuclear decommissioning trusts and other investments hold debt and equity securities directly and indirectly through institutional mutual funds. Exchange-traded debt and equity securities held directly are valued using quoted market prices in actively traded markets. The institutional mutual funds hold exchange-traded equity or debt securities and are valued based on stated NAVs. Non-exchange-traded fixed income securities are valued based upon quotations available from brokers or pricing services. A primary price source is identified by asset type, class, or issue for each security. The trustee monitors prices supplied by pricing services and may use a supplemental price source or change the primary price source of a given security if the trustee determines that another price source is considered to be preferable. The Registrants have obtained an understanding of how these prices are derived, including the nature and observability of the inputs used in deriving such prices. Additionally, the Registrants selectively corroborate the fair value of securities by comparison of market-based price sources. Investment policies and procedures are determined by DTE Energy's Trust Investments Department which reports to DTE Energy's Vice President and Treasurer.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities

Derivative assets and liabilities are comprised of physical and financial derivative contracts, including futures, forwards, options, and swaps that are both exchange-traded and over-the-counter traded contracts. Various inputs are used to value derivatives depending on the type of contract and availability of market data. Exchange-traded derivative contracts are valued using quoted prices in active markets. The Registrants consider the following criteria in determining whether a market is considered active: frequency in which pricing information is updated, variability in pricing between sources or over time, and the availability of public information. Other derivative contracts are valued based upon a variety of inputs including commodity market prices, broker quotes, interest rates, credit ratings, default rates, market-based seasonality, and basis differential factors. The Registrants monitor the prices that are supplied by brokers and pricing services and may use a supplemental price source or change the primary price source of an index if prices become unavailable or another price source is determined to be more representative of fair value. The Registrants have obtained an understanding of how these prices are derived. Additionally, the Registrants selectively corroborate the fair value of their transactions by comparison of market-based price sources. Mathematical valuation models are used for derivatives for which external market data is not readily observable, such as contracts which extend beyond the actively traded reporting period. The Registrants have established a Risk Management Committee whose responsibilities include directly or indirectly ensuring all valuation methods are applied in accordance with predefined policies. The development and maintenance of the Registrants' forward price curves has been assigned to DTE Energy's Risk Management Department, which is separate and distinct from the trading functions within DTE Energy.

The following table presents the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for DTE Energy for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Year Ended December 31, 2015												Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Natural Gas			Electricity			Other			Total			Natural Gas			Electricity			Other			Total
	(In millions)
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of December 31	$	30		$	(5	)	$	(1	)	$	24		$	(52	)	$	13		$	3		$	(36	)
Transfers into Level 3 from Level 2	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Transfers from Level 3 into Level 2	—			—			—			—			(2		)	—			—			(2		)
Total gains (losses):
Included in earnings	(44		)	44			(8		)	(8		)	(40		)	25			(5		)	(20		)
Recorded in Regulatory assets/liabilities	—			—			12			12			—			—			8			8
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:
Purchases	—			2			—			2			—			1			—			1
Issuances	—			—			—			—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)
Settlements	9			(35		)	(8		)	(34		)	124			(41		)	(7		)	76
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of December 31	$	(5	)	$	6		$	(5	)	$	(4	)	$	30		$	(5	)	$	(1	)	$	24
The amount of total gains (losses) included in Net Income attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and reflected in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations and Fuel, purchased power, and gas — non-utility in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations	$	(135	)	$	13		$	(7	)	$	(129	)	$	35		$	9		$	(4	)	$	40

The following table presents the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for DTE Electric for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In millions)
Net Assets as of December 31	$	3		$	3
Change in fair value recorded in Regulatory assets/liabilities	12			8
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:
Settlements	(12		)	(8		)
Net Assets as of December 31	$	3		$	3
The amount of total gains (losses) included in Regulatory assets and liabilities attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and reflected in DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	$	3		$	3

Derivatives are transferred between levels primarily due to changes in the source data used to construct price curves as a result of changes in market liquidity. Transfers in and transfers out are reflected as if they had occurred at the beginning of the period.

There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for the Registrants during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and there were no transfers from or into Level 3 for DTE Electric during the same periods.

The following tables present the unobservable inputs related to DTE Energy's Level 3 assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	December 31, 2015
Commodity Contracts	Derivative Assets		Derivative Liabilities			Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Input	Range						Weighted Average
	(In millions)
Natural Gas	$	103	$	(108	)	Discounted Cash Flow	Forward basis price (per MMBtu)	$	(1.50	) —	$	2.77	/MMBtu	$	(0.19	)/MMBtu
Electricity	$	68	$	(62	)	Discounted Cash Flow	Forward basis price (per MWh)	$	(11	) —	$	14	/MWh	$	2	/MWh



	December 31, 2014
Commodity Contracts	Derivative Assets		Derivative Liabilities			Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Input	Range						Weighted Average
	(In millions)
Natural Gas	$	92	$	(62	)	Discounted Cash Flow	Forward basis price (per MMBtu)	$	(2.28	) —	$	7.83	/MMBtu	$	(0.22	)/MMBtu
Electricity	$	47	$	(52	)	Discounted Cash Flow	Forward basis price (per MWh)	$	(14	) —	$	15	/MWh	$	4	/MWh

The unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the electricity and natural gas commodity types consist of inputs that are less observable due in part to lack of available broker quotes, supported by little, if any, market activity at the measurement date or are based on internally developed models. Certain basis prices (i.e., the difference in pricing between two locations) included in the valuation of natural gas and electricity contracts were deemed unobservable.

The inputs listed above would have a direct impact on the fair values of the above security types if they were adjusted. A significant increase (decrease) in the basis price would result in a higher (lower) fair value for long positions, with offsetting impacts to short positions.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of financial instruments included in the table below is determined by using quoted market prices when available. When quoted prices are not available, pricing services may be used to determine the fair value with reference to observable interest rate indexes. The Registrants have obtained an understanding of how the fair values are derived. The Registrants also selectively corroborate the fair value of their transactions by comparison of market-based price sources. Discounted cash flow analyses based upon estimated current borrowing rates are also used to determine fair value when quoted market prices are not available. The fair values of notes receivable, excluding capital leases, are generally estimated using discounted cash flow techniques that incorporate market interest rates as well as assumptions about the remaining life of the loans and credit risk. Depending on the information available, other valuation techniques may be used that rely on internal assumptions and models. Valuation policies and procedures for the Registrants are determined by DTE Energy's Treasury Department which reports to DTE Energy's Vice President and Treasurer.

The following table presents the carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments for DTE Energy as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	December 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
	Carrying		Fair Value						Carrying		Fair Value
	Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Notes receivable, excluding capital leases	$	32	$	—	$	—	$	32	$	41	$	—	$	—	$	41
Dividends payable	$	131	$	131	$	—	$	—	$	122	$	122	$	—	$	—
Short-term borrowings	$	499	$	—	$	499	$	—	$	398	$	—	$	398	$	—
Long-term debt, excluding capital leases	$	9,285	$	496	$	8,136	$	1,203	$	8,606	$	489	$	8,308	$	706

The following table presents the carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments for DTE Electric as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	December 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
	Carrying		Fair Value						Carrying		Fair Value
	Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Notes receivable, excluding capital leases	$	5	$	—	$	—	$	5	$	12	$	—	$	—	$	12
Notes receivable — affiliates	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	8	$	—	$	—	$	8
Short-term borrowings — affiliates	$	75	$	—	$	—	$	75	$	84	$	—	$	—	$	84
Short-term borrowings — other	$	272	$	—	$	272	$	—	50		$	—	$	50	$	—
Long-term debt, excluding capital leases	$	5,624	$	—	$	5,432	$	545	$	5,259	$	—	$	5,341	$	496

For further fair value information on financial and derivative instruments see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Financial and Other Derivative Instruments".

Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds

DTE Electric has a legal obligation to decommission its nuclear power plants following the expiration of its operating licenses. This obligation is reflected as an ARO on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Rates approved by the MPSC provide for the recovery of decommissioning costs of Fermi 2 and the disposal of low-level radioactive waste. DTE Electric is continuing to fund FERC jurisdictional amounts for decommissioning even though explicit provisions are not included in FERC rates. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Asset Retirement Obligations".

The following table summarizes DTE Electric's fair value of the nuclear decommissioning trust fund assets:



	December 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(In millions)
Fermi 2	$	1,211	$	1,221
Fermi 1	3		3
Low-level radioactive waste	22		17
Total	$	1,236	$	1,241

The costs of securities sold are determined on the basis of specific identification. The following table sets forth DTE Electric's gains and losses and proceeds from the sale of securities by the nuclear decommissioning trust funds:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In millions)
Realized gains	$	39		$	54		$	83
Realized losses	$	(33	)	$	(33	)	$	(41	)
Proceeds from sales of securities	$	885		$	1,146		$	1,118

Realized gains and losses from the sale of securities for the Fermi 2 and the low-level radioactive waste funds are recorded to the Regulatory asset and Nuclear decommissioning liability. The following table sets forth DTE Electric's fair value and unrealized gains and losses for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds:



	December 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
	Fair Value		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses
	(In millions)
Equity securities	$	731	$	195	$	(68	)	$	756	$	204	$	(39	)
Debt securities	499		16		(4		)	474		21		(2		)
Cash and cash equivalents	6		—		—			11		—		—
	$	1,236	$	211	$	(72	)	$	1,241	$	225	$	(41	)

The debt securities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 had an average maturity of approximately 6 years and 7 years, respectively. Securities held in the Nuclear decommissioning trust funds are classified as available-for-sale. As DTE Electric does not have the ability to hold impaired investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for the anticipated recovery of market value, all unrealized losses are considered to be other-than-temporary impairments.

Unrealized losses incurred by the Fermi 2 trust are recognized as a Regulatory asset.

Other Securities

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Registrants' securities were comprised primarily of money market and equity securities. There were no unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities which were reclassified out of Other comprehensive income (loss) and realized into Net Income for DTE Energy or DTE Electric during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Gains related to trading securities held at December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were $1 million, $14 million, and $22 million, respectively, for DTE Energy, including $1 million, $12 million, and $19 million, respectively, relating to DTE Electric. The trading gains or losses related to the Rabbi Trust assets are allocated from DTE Energy to DTE Electric.