Regulatory Matters

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Abstract]

Regulatory Matters

REGULATORY MATTERS

2020 COVID-19 Response

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MPSC issued an order on April 15, 2020 to provide guidance and direction to utilities and other stakeholders on topics including customer protections and affordability, utility accounting, regulatory activities, energy assistance, and energy waste reduction and demand response continuity.  The order authorizes the deferral of uncollectible expense that is in excess of the amount used to set current rates effective March 24, 2020, the date of Michigan's executive order to "Stay Home, Stay Safe".  The Registrants are currently evaluating the impact of this order for potential change in accounting treatment, and will continue to monitor MPSC activities for further guidance on COVID-19 and any other pandemic related costs.

2019 Electric Rate Case Filing

DTE Electric filed a rate case with the MPSC on July 8, 2019 requesting an increase in base rates of $351 million based on a projected twelve-month period ending April 30, 2021. The requested increase in base rates is primarily due to an increase in net plant resulting from infrastructure and generation investments. The rate filing also requests an increase in return on equity from 10.0% to 10.5% and includes projected changes in sales and operating and maintenance expenses. A final MPSC order in this case is expected by May 2020.

2019 Gas Rate Case Filing

DTE Gas filed a rate case with the MPSC on November 25, 2019 requesting an increase in base rates of $204 million based on a projected twelve-month period ending September 30, 2021.  The requested increase in base rates is primarily due to an increase in net plant resulting from infrastructure investments and operating and maintenance expenses.  The rate filing also requests an increase in return on equity from 10.0% to 10.5% and includes projected changes in sales and working capital.  A final MPSC order in this case is expected by September 2020.