DTE ENERGY CO, 10-K filed on 2/19/2021
Annual Report
v3.20.4
Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Billions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Jan. 29, 2021
Jun. 30, 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2020    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 1-11607    
Entity Registrant Name DTE Energy Co    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MI    
Entity Tax Identification Number 38-3217752    
Entity Address, Address Line One One Energy Plaza    
Entity Address, City or Town Detroit    
Entity Address, State or Province MI    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 48226-1279    
City Area Code 313    
Local Phone Number 235-4000    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 20.5
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   193,773,687  
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Certain information in DTE Energy's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders to be held May 20, 2021, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference to Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14) of this Form 10-K.
This combined Form 10-K is filed separately by two registrants: DTE Energy and DTE Electric. Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant solely on its own behalf. DTE Electric makes no representation as to information relating exclusively to DTE Energy.
DTE Electric, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DTE Energy, meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.
    
Entity Central Index Key 0000936340    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Common stock, without par value      
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, without par value    
Trading Symbol DTE    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
2016 Series B 5.375% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2076      
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security 2016 Series B 5.375% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2076    
Trading Symbol DTJ    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
2016 Series F 6.00% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2076      
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security 2016 Series F 6.00% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2076    
Trading Symbol DTY    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
2017 Series E 5.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2077      
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security 2017 Series E 5.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2077    
Trading Symbol DTW    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
2019 6.25% Corporate Units      
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security 2019 6.25% Corporate Units    
Trading Symbol DTP    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
2020 Series G 4.375% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2080      
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security 2020 Series G 4.375% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2080    
Trading Symbol DTB    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
DTE Electric      
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Entity File Number 1-2198    
Entity Registrant Name DTE Electric Co    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MI    
Entity Tax Identification Number 38-0478650    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   138,362,324  
Entity Central Index Key 0000028385    
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Revenues      
Utility operations $ 6,845 $ 6,638 $ 6,670
Non-utility operations 5,332 6,031 7,542
Operating Revenues 12,177 12,669 14,212
Operating Expenses      
Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility 1,719 1,798 1,981
Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility 4,141 5,053 6,630
Operation and maintenance 2,443 2,419 2,451
Depreciation and amortization 1,443 1,263 1,124
Taxes other than income 410 414 405
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net 35 15 27
Operating Expenses 10,191 10,962 12,618
Operating Income 1,986 1,707 1,594
Other (Income) and Deductions      
Interest expense 720 641 559
Interest income (38) (17) (12)
Non-operating retirement benefits, net 50 39 37
Other income (388) (350) (333)
Other expenses 104 70 127
Other (Income) and Deductions 448 383 378
Income Before Income Taxes 1,538 1,324 1,216
Income Tax Expense 167 152 98
Net Income 1,371 1,172 1,118
Less: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 3 3 (2)
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company/DTE Electric Company $ 1,368 $ 1,169 $ 1,120
Basic Earnings per Common Share      
Net income attributable to DTE Energy Company (in dollars per share) $ 7.09 $ 6.32 $ 6.18
Diluted Earnings per Common Share      
Net income attributable to DTE Energy Company (in dollars per share) $ 7.08 $ 6.31 $ 6.17
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding      
Basic (in shares) 193 185 181
Diluted (in shares) 193 185 181
DTE Electric      
Operating Revenues      
Utility operations $ 5,506 $ 5,224 $ 5,298
Operating Revenues 5,506 5,224  
Operating Expenses      
Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility 1,397 1,390 1,552
Operation and maintenance 1,505 1,452 1,470
Depreciation and amortization 1,043 946 836
Taxes other than income 296 310 307
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net 41 13 (1)
Operating Expenses 4,282 4,111 4,164
Operating Income 1,224 1,113 1,134
Other (Income) and Deductions      
Interest expense 331 313 283
Interest income (2) (2) 0
Non-operating retirement benefits, net (1) (1) 0
Other income (87) (107) (83)
Other expenses 96 56 77
Other (Income) and Deductions 337 259 277
Income Before Income Taxes 887 854 857
Income Tax Expense 109 138 193
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company/DTE Electric Company $ 778 $ 716 $ 664
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Net Income $ 1,371 $ 1,172 $ 1,118
Net Income 1,368 1,169 1,120
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:      
Benefit obligations, net of taxes of $3, $2, and $2, respectively 8 8 8
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of taxes of $1, $(4), and $—, respectively 2 (12)  
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of taxes of $1, $(4), and $—, respectively     (1)
Foreign currency translation 1 1 (2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 11 (3) 5
Comprehensive income 1,382 1,169 1,123
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 3 3 (2)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company/DTE Electric Company 1,379 1,166 1,125
DTE Electric      
Net Income 778 716 664
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:      
Other comprehensive income (loss) 0 0 0
Comprehensive Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company/DTE Electric Company $ 778 $ 716 $ 664
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Tax effect on benefit obligation $ 3 $ 2 $ 2
Tax effect on net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during the period $ 1 $ (4)  
Tax effect on net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during the period     $ 0
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 514 $ 93
Restricted cash 2 0
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts)    
Customer 1,665 1,642
Other 127 245
Inventories    
Fuel and gas 335 373
Materials, supplies, and other 381 386
Derivative assets 116 133
Regulatory assets 129 5
Other 229 209
Total Current Assets 3,498 3,086
Investments    
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds 1,855 1,661
Investments in equity method investees 1,868 1,862
Other 196 265
Total Investments 3,919 3,788
Property    
Property, plant, and equipment 37,997 35,072
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (10,028) (9,755)
Property, plant and equipment, net 27,969 25,317
Other Assets    
Goodwill 2,466 2,464
Regulatory assets 4,128 4,171
Intangible assets 2,339 2,393
Notes receivable 280 202
Derivative assets 40 41
Prepaid postretirement costs 561 454
Operating lease right-of-use assets 152 169
Other 144 183
Total Other Assets 10,110 10,077
Total Assets 45,496 42,268
Current Liabilities    
Accounts payable 1,029 1,076
Accounts payable    
Accrued interest 158 147
Dividends payable 210 195
Short-term borrowings 38 828
Current portion long-term debt, including finance leases 469 687
Derivative liabilities 68 83
Regulatory liabilities 39 65
Short-term borrowings    
Operating lease liabilities 33 33
Acquisition related deferred payment 0 379
Other 647 504
Total Current Liabilities 2,691 3,997
Long-Term Debt (net of current portion)    
Mortgage bonds, notes, and other 17,802 14,778
Junior subordinated debentures 1,175 1,146
Finance lease obligations 24 11
Total Long-Term Debt (net of current portion) 19,001 15,935
Other Liabilities    
Deferred income taxes 2,822 2,315
Regulatory liabilities 3,363 3,264
Asset retirement obligations 2,839 2,672
Unamortized investment tax credit 162 166
Derivative liabilities 60 86
Accrued pension liability 797 808
Accrued postretirement liability 407 385
Nuclear decommissioning 283 249
Operating lease liability 111 127
Other 371 428
Total Other Liabilities 11,215 10,500
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 10 and 19)
Equity    
Common stock 5,406 5,233
Retained earnings 7,156 6,587
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (137) (148)
Total DTE Energy Company/DTE Electric Company Equity 12,425 11,672
Noncontrolling interests 164 164
Total Equity 12,589 11,836
Total Liabilities and Equity 45,496 42,268
DTE Electric    
Current Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents 16 12
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts)    
Customer 763 729
Affiliates 13 25
Other 62 41
Inventories    
Fuel and gas 187 187
Materials, supplies, and other 292 280
Regulatory assets 123 5
Other 71 78
Total Current Assets 1,527 1,357
Investments    
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds 1,855 1,661
Other 42 38
Total Investments 1,897 1,699
Property    
Property, plant, and equipment 26,171 24,279
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,050) (6,706)
Property, plant and equipment, net 19,121 17,573
Other Assets    
Regulatory assets 3,440 3,448
Intangible assets 11 15
Prepaid postretirement costs — affiliates 335 266
Operating lease right-of-use assets 75 87
Other 107 143
Total Other Assets 3,968 3,959
Total Assets 26,513 24,588
Accounts payable    
Affiliates 62 59
Other 410 406
Accrued interest 91 84
Current portion long-term debt, including finance leases 468 636
Regulatory liabilities 18 40
Short-term borrowings    
Affiliates 101 97
Other 0 354
Operating lease liabilities 11 12
Other 219 155
Total Current Liabilities 1,380 1,843
Long-Term Debt (net of current portion)    
Mortgage bonds, notes, and other 7,774 6,548
Finance lease obligations 13 4
Total Long-Term Debt (net of current portion) 7,787 6,552
Other Liabilities    
Deferred income taxes 2,525 2,355
Regulatory liabilities 2,432 2,546
Asset retirement obligations 2,607 2,447
Unamortized investment tax credit 162 166
Nuclear decommissioning 283 249
Accrued pension liability — affiliates 731 717
Accrued postretirement liability — affiliates 384 367
Operating lease liability 56 67
Other 96 84
Total Other Liabilities 9,276 8,998
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 10 and 19)
Equity    
Common stock 5,447 4,811
Retained earnings 2,623 2,384
Total DTE Energy Company/DTE Electric Company Equity 8,070 7,195
Total Liabilities and Equity $ 26,513 $ 24,588
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets:    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 104 $ 91
Stockholders' Equity:    
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 400,000,000 400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 193,770,617 192,208,533
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 193,770,617 192,208,533
DTE Electric    
Current Assets:    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 57 $ 46
Stockholders' Equity:    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 10 $ 10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 400,000,000 400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 138,632,324 138,632,324
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 138,632,324 138,632,324
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Activities      
Net Income $ 1,371 $ 1,172 $ 1,118
Net Income 1,368 1,169 1,120
Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to Net cash from operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 1,443 1,263 1,124
Nuclear fuel amortization 37 60 45
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (25) (24) (28)
Deferred income taxes 407 329 114
Equity earnings of equity method investees (132) (111) (132)
Dividends from equity method investees 142 160 74
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net 47 14 29
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable, net 111 49 (44)
Inventories 45 59 (32)
Prepaid postretirement benefit costs (107) (24) (45)
Accounts payable 0 (288) 146
Accrued pension liability (11) (29) (87)
Accrued postretirement liability 22 0 (61)
Derivative assets and liabilities (23) (28) 31
Regulatory assets and liabilities 104 160 15
Other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities 266 (113) 413
Net cash from operating activities 3,697 2,649 2,680
Investing Activities      
Plant and equipment expenditures — utility (3,241) (2,724) (2,439)
Plant and equipment expenditures — non-utility (616) (273) (274)
Acquisitions related to business combinations, net of cash acquired (126) (2,470) 0
Proceeds from sale of assets 13 0 0
Proceeds from sale of nuclear decommissioning trust fund assets 2,350 788 1,203
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds (2,350) (794) (1,188)
Distributions from equity method investees 24 10 9
Contributions to equity method investees (37) (149) (637)
Notes receivable (85) (98)  
Notes receivable     2
Other (2) (22) (23)
Net cash used for investing activities (4,070) (5,732) (3,347)
Financing Activities      
Issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs 3,692 2,506 1,432
Redemption of long-term debt (882) (821) (105)
Issuance of equity units, net of issuance costs 0 1,265 0
Short-term borrowings, net (790)   (12)
Short-term borrowings, net   219  
Issuance of common stock 2 1,023 0
Dividends paid on common stock (760) (692) (620)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests, principally REF entities 36 38 53
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (39) (59) (48)
Purchases of noncontrolling interest, principally SGG 0 (300) 0
Acquisition related deferred payment, excluding accretion (380) 0 0
Other (83) (79) (46)
Net cash from financing activities 796 3,100 654
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash 423 17 (13)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period 93 76 89
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at End of Period 516 93 76
Supplemental disclosure of cash information      
Cash paid (received) for: Interest, net of interest capitalized 679 595 572
Cash paid (received) for: Income taxes [1] (360) 18 (26)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities      
Plant and equipment expenditures in accounts payable 266 311 307
Premium on equity units 0 150 0
DTE Electric      
Operating Activities      
Net Income 778 716 664
Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to Net cash from operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 1,043 946 836
Nuclear fuel amortization 37 60 45
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (23) (22) (19)
Deferred income taxes 89 97 189
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net 41 13 0
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable, net (42) 20 33
Inventories (12) (17) 15
Prepaid postretirement benefit costs — affiliates (69) (77) (76)
Accounts payable 20 (57) 54
Accrued pension liability — affiliates 14 (1) (93)
Accrued postretirement liability — affiliates 17 89 (33)
Regulatory assets and liabilities 55 139 4
Other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities (43) (197) 101
Net cash from operating activities 1,905 1,709 1,720
Investing Activities      
Plant and equipment expenditures (2,674) (2,200) (1,989)
Proceeds from sale of nuclear decommissioning trust fund assets 2,350 788 1,203
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds (2,350) (794) (1,188)
Notes receivable and other (8) (21) (15)
Net cash used for investing activities (2,682) (2,227) (1,989)
Financing Activities      
Issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs 1,683 643 519
Redemption of long-term debt (632) 0 0
Capital contribution by parent company 636 180 325
Short-term borrowings, net — affiliate 4 (4) (15)
Short-term borrowings, net — other (354) 205 (89)
Dividends paid on common stock (539) (494) (461)
Other (17) (18) (7)
Net cash from financing activities 781 512 272
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash 4 (6) 3
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period 12 18 15
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at End of Period 16 12 18
Supplemental disclosure of cash information      
Cash paid (received) for: Interest, net of interest capitalized 315 295 283
Cash paid (received) for: Income taxes 14 46 0
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities      
Plant and equipment expenditures in accounts payable $ 174 $ 192 $ 181
[1] 2020 cash received primarily relates to AMT credit and other refunds, of which a portion was accelerated due to and CARES Act. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Income Taxes," for additional information.
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Common Stock
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Noncontrolling Interests
DTE Electric
DTE Electric
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
DTE Electric
Common Stock
DTE Electric
Additional Paid-in Capital
DTE Electric
Retained Earnings
DTE Electric
Retained Earnings
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
DTE Electric
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
DTE Electric
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017     179,387,000               138,632,000          
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017 $ 9,990 $ 0 $ 3,989 $ 5,643 $ 5 $ (120) $ (5) $ 478                
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017                 $ 6,265 $ 0 $ 1,386 $ 2,920 $ 1,956 $ 3 $ 3 $ (3)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                
Net Income (Loss) 1,118     1,120       (2)                
Net Income 1,120               664       664      
Dividends declared on common stock (653)     (653)         (461)       (461)      
Issuance of common stock (in shares)     255,000                          
Issuance of common stock 26   $ 26                          
Contribution of common stock to pension plan (in shares)     1,751,000                          
Contribution of common stock to pension plan 175   $ 175                          
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 5         5     0              
Stock-based compensation, net contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, and other (in shares)     532,000                          
Stock-based compensation, net contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, and other 56   $ 55 (3)       4                
Capital contribution by parent company                 325     325        
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018     181,925,000               138,632,000          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018 10,717   $ 4,245 6,112   (120)   480                
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018                 6,793   $ 1,386 3,245 2,162   0  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                
Implementation of ASU 2018-02 0     25   (25)                    
Net Income (Loss) 1,172     1,169       3                
Net Income 1,169               716       716      
Dividends declared on common stock (714)     (714)         (494)       (494)      
Issuance of common stock (in shares)     8,634,000                          
Issuance of common stock 1,014   $ 1,014                          
Premium on equity units (150)   (150)                          
Issuance costs of equity units (30)   $ (30)                          
Contribution of common stock to pension plan (in shares)     815,000                          
Contribution of common stock to pension plan 100   $ 100                          
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (3)         (3)     0              
Purchase of noncontrolling interests, principally SGG (300)   $ (3)         (297)                
Stock-based compensation, net contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, and other (in shares)     835,000                          
Stock-based compensation, net contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, and other $ 30   $ 57 (5)       (22)                
Capital contribution by parent company                 $ 180     180        
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 192,208,533   192,209,000           138,632,324   138,632,000          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019 $ 11,836   $ 5,233 6,587   (148)   164                
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019 11,672               $ 7,195   $ 1,386 3,425 2,384   0  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                
Net Income (Loss) 1,371     1,368       3                
Net Income 1,368               778       778      
Dividends declared on common stock (796)     (796)         (539)       (539)      
Issuance of common stock (in shares)     192,000                          
Issuance of common stock 22   $ 22                          
Contribution of common stock to pension plan (in shares)     694,000                          
Contribution of common stock to pension plan 82   $ 82                          
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 11         11     0              
Stock-based compensation, net contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, and other (in shares)     676,000                          
Stock-based compensation, net contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, and other $ 63   $ 69 (3)       (3)                
Capital contribution by parent company                 $ 636     636        
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020 193,770,617   193,771,000           138,632,324   138,632,000          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020 $ 12,589   $ 5,406 $ 7,156   $ (137)   $ 164                
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020 $ 12,425               $ 8,070   $ 1,386 $ 4,061 $ 2,623   $ 0  
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Dividends declared on common stock (in dollars per share) $ 4.12 $ 3.85 $ 3.60
v3.20.4
Organization and Basis of Presentation
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Organization and Basis of Presentation ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Corporate Structure
DTE Energy owns the following businesses:
•DTE Electric is a public utility engaged in the generation, purchase, distribution, and sale of electricity to approximately 2.2 million customers in southeastern Michigan;
•DTE Gas is a public utility engaged in the purchase, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of natural gas to approximately 1.3 million customers throughout Michigan and the sale of storage and transportation capacity; and
•Other businesses primarily involved in 1) services related to the gathering, transportation, and storage of natural gas; 2) power and industrial projects; and 3) energy marketing and trading operations.
DTE Electric and DTE Gas are regulated by the MPSC. Certain activities of DTE Electric and DTE Gas, as well as various other aspects of businesses under DTE Energy are regulated by the FERC. In addition, the Registrants are regulated by other federal and state regulatory agencies including the NRC, the EPA, EGLE, and for DTE Energy, the CFTC and CARB.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrants are prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These accounting principles require management to use estimates and assumptions that impact reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from the Registrants' estimates.
The information in these combined notes relates to each of the Registrants as noted in the Index of Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. However, DTE Electric does not make any representation as to information related solely to DTE Energy or the subsidiaries of DTE Energy other than itself.
Certain prior year balances for the Registrants were reclassified to match the current year's Consolidated Financial Statements presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The Registrants consolidate all majority-owned subsidiaries and investments in entities in which they have controlling influence. Non-majority owned investments are accounted for using the equity method when the Registrants are able to significantly influence the operating policies of the investee. When the Registrants do not influence the operating policies of an investee, the equity investment is valued at cost minus any impairments, if applicable. These Consolidated Financial Statements also reflect the Registrants' proportionate interests in certain jointly-owned utility plants. The Registrants eliminate all intercompany balances and transactions.
The Registrants evaluate whether an entity is a VIE whenever reconsideration events occur. The Registrants consolidate VIEs for which they are the primary beneficiary. If a Registrant is not the primary beneficiary and an ownership interest is held, the VIE is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. When assessing the determination of the primary beneficiary, a Registrant considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including: the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and the obligation to absorb the expected losses and/or the right to receive the expected returns of the VIE. The Registrants perform ongoing reassessments of all VIEs to determine if the primary beneficiary status has changed.
Legal entities within DTE Energy's Power and Industrial Projects segment enter into long-term contractual arrangements with customers to supply energy-related products or services. The entities are generally designed to pass-through the commodity risk associated with these contracts to the customers, with DTE Energy retaining operational and customer default risk. These entities generally are VIEs and consolidated when DTE Energy is the primary beneficiary. In addition, DTE Energy has interests in certain VIEs through which control of all significant activities is shared with partners, and therefore are generally accounted for under the equity method.
DTE Energy currently owns an 85% interest in SGG, which owns and operates midstream natural gas assets. SGG has contracts through which certain construction risk was designed to pass-through to the customers, with DTE Energy retaining operational and customer default risk. SGG is a VIE with DTE Energy as the primary beneficiary.
The Registrants have variable interests in NEXUS, which include DTE Energy's 50% ownership interest and DTE Electric's transportation services contract. NEXUS is a joint venture which owns a 256-mile pipeline to transport Utica and Marcellus shale gas to Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario market centers. NEXUS also owns Generation Pipeline, LLC, a 25-mile regulated pipeline system located in northern Ohio, which was acquired in September 2019. NEXUS is a VIE as it has insufficient equity at risk to finance its activities. The Registrants are not the primary beneficiaries, as the power to direct significant activities is shared between the owners of the equity interests. DTE Energy accounts for its ownership interest in NEXUS under the equity method.
The Registrants hold ownership interests in certain limited partnerships. The limited partnerships include investment funds which support regional development and economic growth, and an operational business providing energy-related products. These entities are generally VIEs as a result of certain characteristics of the limited partnership voting rights. The ownership interests are accounted for under the equity method as the Registrants are not the primary beneficiaries.
DTE Energy has variable interests in VIEs through certain of its long-term purchase and sale contracts. DTE Electric has variable interests in VIEs through certain of its long-term purchase contracts, including the transportation services contract with NEXUS. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position that relate to its variable interests under long-term purchase and sale contracts are predominantly related to working capital accounts and generally represent the amounts owed by or to DTE Energy for the deliveries associated with the current billing cycle under the contracts. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position that relate to its variable interests under long-term purchase contracts are predominantly related to working capital accounts and generally represent the amounts owed by DTE Electric for the deliveries associated with the current billing cycle under the contracts. The Registrants have not provided any significant form of financial support associated with these long-term contracts. There is no material potential exposure to loss as a result of DTE Energy's variable interests through these long-term purchase and sale contracts. In addition, there is no material potential exposure to loss as a result of DTE Electric's variable interests through these long-term purchase contracts.
The maximum risk exposure for consolidated VIEs is reflected on the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and for DTE Energy, in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Commitments and Contingencies," related to the REF guarantees and indemnities. For non-consolidated VIEs, the maximum risk exposure of the Registrants is generally limited to their investment, notes receivable, future funding commitments, and amounts which DTE Energy has guaranteed. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Commitments and Contingencies," for further discussion of the NEXUS guarantee arrangements.
The following table summarizes the major Consolidated Statements of Financial Position items for consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. All assets and liabilities of a consolidated VIE are presented where it has been determined that a consolidated VIE has either (1) assets that can be used only to settle obligations of the VIE or (2) liabilities for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary. VIEs, in which DTE Energy holds a majority voting interest and is the primary beneficiary, that meet the definition of a business and whose assets can be used for purposes other than the settlement of the VIE's obligations have been excluded from the table below.
Amounts for DTE Energy's consolidated VIEs are as follows:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
SGG(a)
OtherTotal
SGG(a)
OtherTotal
(In millions)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents$34 $20 $54 $16 $11 $27 
Accounts receivable8 28 36 8 19 27 
Inventories— 107 107 — 74 74 
Property, plant, and equipment, net402 23 425 410 33 443 
Goodwill25 — 25 25 — 25 
Intangible assets527 — 527 542 — 542 
Other current and long-term assets2 33 35 2 — 2 
$998 $211 $1,209 $1,003 $137 $1,140 
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued current liabilities$— $22 $22 $2 $13 $15 
Short-term borrowings— 38 38 — — — 
Other current and long-term liabilities7 4 11 7 7 14 
$7 $64 $71 $9 $20 $29 
_____________________________________
(a)Amounts shown are 100% of SGG's assets and liabilities, of which DTE Energy owns 85% at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Amounts for DTE Energy's non-consolidated VIEs are as follows:
December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
Investments in equity method investees$1,507 $1,503 
Notes receivable$47 $21 
Future funding commitments$26 $63 
Equity Method Investments
Investments in non-consolidated affiliates that are not controlled by the Registrants, but over which they have significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method. Certain of the equity method investees are also considered VIEs and disclosed in the non-consolidated VIEs table above. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, DTE Energy's share of the underlying equity in the net assets of the investees exceeded the carrying amounts of Investments in equity method investees by $80 million and $74 million, respectively. The difference is being amortized over the life of the underlying assets. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, DTE Energy's consolidated retained earnings balance includes undistributed earnings from equity method investments of $109 million and $129 million, respectively.
DTE Energy equity method investees are described below:
Investments% Owned
Segment2020201920202019Description
(In millions)
Significant Equity Method Investees
Gas Storage and Pipelines
NEXUS Pipeline$1,349 $1,345 50%50%256-mile pipeline to transport Utica and Marcellus shale gas to Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario market centers. Also includes Generation Pipeline, a 25-mile pipeline located in northern Ohio
Vector Pipeline134 131 40%40%348-mile pipeline connecting Chicago, Michigan, and Ontario market centers
Millennium Pipeline208 209 26%26%263-mile pipeline serving markets in the Northeast
1,691 1,685 
Other Equity Method Investees
Other Segments177 177 
$1,868 $1,862 
The balances in Other Equity Method Investees are individually insignificant and are primarily from the Power and Industrial Projects segment. These investments are comprised of projects that deliver energy and utility-type products and services to industrial customers, sell electricity from renewable energy projects under long-term power purchase agreements, and produce and sell metallurgical coke.
For further information by segment, see Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Segment and Related Information."
The following table presents summarized financial information of subsidiaries not consolidated and 50 percent or less owned by DTE Energy. The amounts included in the table below represents 100% of the results of continuing operations of such entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Summarized balance sheet data is as follows:
December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
Current Assets$351 $374 
Non-current assets$5,235 $5,260 
Current Liabilities$319 $414 
Non-current liabilities$686 $698 
Summarized income statement data is as follows:
December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Operating Revenues$1,227 $1,210 $883 
Operating Expenses$847 $853 $622 
Net Income$395 $313 $365 
v3.20.4
Significant Accounting Policies
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Other Income
Other income for the Registrants is recognized for non-operating income such as equity earnings of equity method investees, allowance for equity funds used during construction, contract services, and gains from trading securities, primarily from those held in DTE Energy's rabbi trust. DTE Energy's Power and Industrial Projects segment also recognizes Other income in connection with the sale of membership interests in reduced emissions fuel facilities to investors. In exchange for the cash received, the investors receive a portion of the economic attributes of the facilities, including income tax attributes. The transactions are not treated as a sale of membership interests for financial reporting purposes. Other income related to fixed non-refundable cash payments received from investors for which the earnings process is not contingent upon production of refined coal is recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable contract term as the economic benefit from the ownership of the facility is transferred to investors. Other income related to cash payments that is contingent upon production of refined coal is considered earned and recognized when the contingency regarding the timing and amount of payment is resolved, generally as refined coal is produced and tax credits are generated.
The following is a summary of DTE Energy's Other income:
202020192018
(In millions)
Income from REF entities$139 $130 $98 
Equity earnings of equity method investees132 111 132 
Gains from rabbi trust securities(a)
28 37 6 
Contract services28 29 51 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction25 24 28 
Gas Storage and Pipelines post-acquisition settlement20 — — 
Other16 19 18 
$388 $350 $333 
_______________________________________
(a)Losses from rabbi trust securities are recorded separately to Other expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following is a summary of DTE Electric's Other income:
202020192018
(In millions)
Gains from rabbi trust securities allocated from DTE Energy(a)
$28 $37 $6 
Contract services28 32 51 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction23 22 19 
Other8 16 7 
$87 $107 $83 
_______________________________________
(a)Losses from rabbi trust securities are recorded separately to Other expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
For information on equity earnings of equity method investees by segment, see Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Segment and Related Information."
Accounting for ISO Transactions
DTE Electric participates in the energy market through MISO. MISO requires that DTE Electric submit hourly day-ahead, real-time, and FTR bids and offers for energy at locations across the MISO region. DTE Electric accounts for MISO transactions on a net hourly basis in each of the day-ahead, real-time, and FTR markets. In any single hour, transactions in each of the MISO energy markets are netted based on MWh to determine if DTE Electric is in a net sale or purchase position. Net purchases are recorded in Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility and net sales are recorded in Operating Revenues — Utility operations on the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Energy Trading segment participates in the energy markets through various ISOs and RTOs. These markets require that Energy Trading submits hourly day-ahead, real-time bids and offers for energy at locations across each region. Energy Trading submits bids in the annual and monthly auction revenue rights and FTR auctions to the RTOs. Energy Trading accounts for these transactions on a net hourly basis for the day-ahead, real-time, and FTR markets. These transactions are related to trading contracts which, if derivatives, are presented on a net basis in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations, and if non-derivatives, the realized gains and losses for sales are recorded in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations and purchases are recorded in Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility in the DTE Energy Consolidated Statements of Operations.
DTE Electric and Energy Trading record accruals for future net purchases adjustments based on historical experience and reconcile accruals to actual costs when invoices are received from MISO and other ISOs and RTOs.
Derivatives
Energy Trading classifies derivative transactions as revenue or expense based on the intent of the transaction (buy or sell). Revenues are recorded on a gross or net basis within the income statement depending upon whether it represents a non-trading activity or trading activity, respectively. For additional information, refer to Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Financial and Other Derivative Instruments".
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in common shareholders’ equity during a period from transactions and events from non-owner sources, including Net Income. The amounts recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for DTE Energy include changes in benefit obligations, consisting of deferred actuarial losses and prior service costs, unrealized gains and losses from derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, and foreign currency translation adjustments. DTE Energy releases income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income when the circumstances upon which they are premised cease to exist.
Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity. For the year ended December 31, 2020, reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were not material.
On January 1, 2019, DTE Energy reclassified $25 million of stranded tax effects resulting from the TCJA from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to Retained Earnings. The reclassification was recorded upon adoption of ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. For the year ended December 31, 2019, reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) not relating to the adoption of this standard were not material.
The following table summarizes the changes in DTE Energy's Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component(a) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Benefit Obligations(b)
Foreign Currency TranslationTotal
(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2018$(11)$(102)$(7)$(120)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(14)(7)1 (20)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)2 15 — 17 
Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss)(12)8 1 (3)
Implementation of ASU 2018-02(2)(23)— (25)
Balance, December 31, 2019$(25)$(117)$(6)$(148)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(3)(2)1 (4)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)5 10 — 15 
Net current-period Other comprehensive income2 8 1 11 
Balance, December 31, 2020$(23)$(109)$(5)$(137)
______________________________________
(a)All amounts are net of tax, except for Foreign currency translation.
(b)The amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are included in the computation of the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs (see Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets").
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash in banks, and temporary investments purchased with remaining maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash consists of funds held in separate bank accounts to satisfy contractual obligations and guarantee performance. Restricted cash designated for payments within one year is classified as a Current Asset.
Financing Receivables
Financing receivables are primarily composed of trade receivables, notes receivable, and unbilled revenue. The Registrant's financing receivables are stated at net realizable value.
DTE Energy unbilled revenues of $944 million and $855 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, include $260 million and $263 million of DTE Electric unbilled revenues, respectively, included in Customer Accounts receivable.
The Registrants monitor the credit quality of their financing receivables on a regular basis by reviewing credit quality indicators and monitoring for trigger events, such as a credit rating downgrade or bankruptcy. Credit quality indicators include, but are not limited to, ratings by credit agencies where available, collection history, collateral, counterparty financial statements and other internal metrics. Utilizing such data, the Registrants have determined three internal grades of credit quality. Internal grade 1 includes financing receivables for counterparties where credit rating agencies have ranked the counterparty as investment grade. To the extent credit ratings are not available, the Registrants utilize other credit quality indicators to determine the level of risk associated with the financing receivable. Internal grade 1 may include financing receivables for counterparties for which credit rating agencies have ranked the counterparty as below investment grade, however, due to favorable information on other credit quality indicators, the Registrants have determined the risk level to be similar to that of an investment grade counterparty. Internal grade 2 includes financing receivables for counterparties with limited credit information and those with a higher risk profile based upon credit quality indicators. Internal grade 3 reflects financing receivables for which the counterparties have the greatest level of risk, including those in bankruptcy status.
The following represents the Registrants' financing receivables by year of origination, classified by internal grade of credit risk. The related credit quality indicators and risk ratings utilized to develop the internal grades have been updated through December 31, 2020.
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Year of origination
202020192018 and priorTotal2020 and prior
(In millions)
Notes receivable
Internal grade 1$— $14 $10 $24 $14 
Internal grade 268 43 6 117 2 
Total notes receivable(a)
$68 $57 $16 $141 $16 
Net investment in leases
Net investment in leases, internal grade 1$6 $— $39 $45 $— 
Net investment in leases, internal grade 2131 — 1 132 — 
Total net investment in leases(a)
$137 $— $40 $177 $— 
_______________________________________
(a)For DTE Energy, included in Current Assets — Other and Other Assets — Notes Receivable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. For DTE Electric, included in Current Assets — Other and Other Assets — Other on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable for the utility entities is generally calculated using an aging approach that utilizes rates developed in reserve studies. DTE Electric and DTE Gas establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts based on historical losses and management's assessment of existing and future economic conditions, customer trends and other factors. Customer accounts are generally considered delinquent if the amount billed is not received by the due date, which is typically in 21 days, however, factors such as assistance programs may delay aggressive action. DTE Electric and DTE Gas generally assess late payment fees on trade receivables based on past-due terms with customers. Customer accounts are written off when collection efforts have been exhausted. The time period for write-off is 150 days after service has been terminated.
The customer allowance for doubtful accounts for non-utility businesses and other receivables for both utility and non-utility businesses is generally calculated based on specific review of probable future collections based on receivable balances generally in excess of 30 days. Existing and future economic conditions, customer trends and other factors are also considered. Receivables are written off on a specific identification basis and determined based upon the specific circumstances of the associated receivable.
Notes receivable for DTE Energy are primarily comprised of finance lease receivables and loans that are included in Notes Receivable and Other current assets on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Notes receivable for DTE Electric are primarily comprised of loans.
Notes receivable are typically considered delinquent when payment is not received for periods ranging from 60 to 120 days. The Registrants cease accruing interest (nonaccrual status), consider a note receivable impaired, and establish an allowance for credit loss when it is probable that all principal and interest amounts due will not be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the note receivable. In determining the allowance for credit losses for notes receivable, the Registrants consider the historical payment experience and other factors that are expected to have a specific impact on the counterparty's ability to pay including existing and future economic conditions.
DTE Energy has off balance sheet exposure in the form of a revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 19, "Commitments and Contingencies," for additional information. In determining the level of credit reserve needed, DTE considers the likelihood of funding in addition to the other factors noted above. A reserve may be established when it is likely that funding will occur. Cash payments received on nonaccrual status notes receivable, that do not bring the account contractually current, are first applied to the contractually owed past due interest, with any remainder applied to principal. Accrual of interest is generally resumed when the note receivable becomes contractually current.
The following table presents a roll-forward of the activity for the Registrants' financing receivables credit loss reserves as of December 31, 2020.
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Trade accounts receivableOther receivablesTotalTrade and other accounts receivable
(In millions)
Beginning reserve balance, January 1, 2020$87 $4 $91 $46 
Current period provision100 3 103 61 
Write-offs charged against allowance(136)(4)(140)(80)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off50 — 50 30 
Ending reserve balance, December 31, 2020$101 $3 $104 $57 
The Registrants have been monitoring the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers and various counterparties. For DTE Electric and DTE Gas, the allowance for doubtful accounts has been increased to account for additional risk related to the pandemic. As of December 31, 2020, the impact of these increases has not been material.
In April 2020, the MPSC issued an order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and authorized the deferral of certain uncollectible expense that is in excess of the amount used to set current rates. As a result of the order, the Registrants began deferring uncollectible expense as Regulatory assets, including $2 million at DTE Gas for the year ended December 31, 2020. For DTE Electric, deferrals recorded throughout the year were reversed and recorded to expense as a result of the MPSC approval of DTE Electric's one-time accounting application in December 2020. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Regulatory Matters," for further information.
For DTE Energy, uncollectible expense was $103 million, $111 million, and $140 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, which is primarily comprised of the current period provision for allowance for doubtful accounts adjusted for regulatory deferrals at DTE Gas.
For DTE Electric, uncollectible expense was $62 million, $65 million, and $85 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, which is primarily comprised of the current period provision for allowance for doubtful accounts.
There are no material amounts of past due financing receivables for the Registrants as of December 31, 2020.
Inventories
Inventory related to utility and non-utility operations is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, where cost is generally valued using average cost.
DTE Gas' natural gas inventory of $40 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The replacement cost of gas in inventory exceeded the LIFO cost by $62 million and $49 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Property, Retirement and Maintenance, and Depreciation and Amortization
Property is stated at cost and includes construction-related labor, materials, overheads, and AFUDC for utility property. The cost of utility properties retired is charged to accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred.
Utility property at DTE Electric and DTE Gas is depreciated over its estimated useful life using straight-line rates approved by the MPSC. DTE Energy's non-utility property is depreciated over its estimated useful life using the straight-line method. Depreciation and amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain regulatory assets for the Registrants.
The cost of nuclear fuel is capitalized. The amortization of nuclear fuel is included within Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility in the DTE Energy Consolidated Statements of Operations, and Fuel and purchased power in the DTE Electric Consolidated Statements of Operations, and is recorded using the units-of-production method.
See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Property, Plant, and Equipment."
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the expected undiscounted future cash flows generated by the asset, an impairment loss is recognized resulting in the asset being written down to its estimated fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.
Intangible Assets
The Registrants have certain Intangible assets as shown below:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Useful LivesGross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying ValueGross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Value
(In millions)
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Customer relationships
25 to 40 years(a)
$2,252 $(121)$2,131 $2,252 $(66)$2,186 
Contract intangibles
6 to 26 years
289 (92)197 268 (76)192 
2,541 (213)2,328 2,520 (142)2,378 
DTE Electric renewable energy credits(b)8 — 8 15 — 15 
DTE Electric zonal resource credits(c)3 — 3 — — — 
DTE Electric Long-term intangible assets11 — 11 15 — 15 
DTE Energy Long-term intangible assets$2,552 $(213)$2,339 $2,535 $(142)$2,393 
______________________________________
(a)The useful lives of the customer relationship intangible assets are based on the number of years in which the assets are expected to economically contribute to the business. The expected economic benefit incorporates existing customer contracts and expected renewal rates based on the estimated volume and production lives of gas resources in the region.
(b)Renewable energy credits are charged to expense, using average cost, as the credits are consumed in the operation of the business.
(c)Zonal resource credits are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period that they are in effect.
The following table summarizes DTE Energy's estimated customer relationship and contract intangible amortization expense expected to be recognized during each year through 2025:
20212022202320242025
(In millions)
Estimated amortization expense$73 $73 $73 $73 $73 
DTE Energy amortizes customer relationship and contract intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit. DTE Energy's Intangible assets amortization expense was $71 million in 2020, $33 million in 2019, and $27 million in 2018.
Excise and Sales Taxes
The Registrants record the billing of excise and sales taxes as a receivable with an offsetting payable to the applicable taxing authority, with no net impact on the Registrants’ Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Deferred Debt Costs
The costs related to the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and amortized over the life of each debt issue. The deferred amounts are included as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of each debt issue in Mortgage bonds, notes, and other and Junior subordinated debentures on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and in Mortgage bonds, notes, and other on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. In accordance with MPSC regulations applicable to DTE Energy’s electric and gas utilities, the unamortized discount, premium, and expense related to utility debt redeemed with a refinancing are amortized over the life of the replacement issue. Discount, premium, and expense on early redemptions of debt associated with DTE Energy's non-utility operations are charged to earnings.
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities
The Registrants generally record investments in debt and equity securities at market value with unrealized gains or losses included in earnings. Changes in the fair value of Fermi 2 nuclear decommissioning investments are recorded as adjustments to Regulatory assets or liabilities, due to a recovery mechanism from customers. The Registrants' equity investments are reviewed for impairment each reporting period. If the assessment indicates that an impairment exists, a loss is recognized resulting in the equity investment being written down to its estimated fair value. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Fair Value."
DTE Energy Foundation
DTE Energy's contributions to the DTE Energy Foundation were $20 million and $22 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018, respectively. There were no charitable contributions made to the DTE Energy Foundation for the year ended December 31, 2019. The DTE Energy Foundation is a non-consolidated not-for-profit private foundation, the purpose of which is to contribute to and assist charitable organizations.
Other Accounting Policies
See the following notes for other accounting policies impacting the Registrants’ Consolidated Financial Statements:
NoteTitle
5Revenue
7Property, Plant, and Equipment
9Asset Retirement Obligations
10Regulatory Matters
11Income Taxes
13Fair Value
14Financial and Other Derivative Instruments
18Leases
21Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets
22Stock-Based Compensation
v3.20.4
New Accounting Pronouncements
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]  
New Accounting Pronouncements NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Adopted Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as amended. The amendments in this update have replaced the previous incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information, including forecasts, to develop credit loss estimates. The ASU requires entities to use the new methodology to measure impairment of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, and may result in earlier recognition of credit losses than under previous generally accepted accounting principles. Entities must apply the new guidance as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. The Registrants adopted the standard effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of the ASU did not have an impact on the Registrants' financial position or results of operations. Additional required disclosures have been included in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Significant Accounting Policies.”
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation to determine the amount of goodwill impairment. Under the ASU, a goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The Registrants adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of the ASU did not have an impact on the Registrants' Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820. The Registrants adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2020. The Registrants have updated Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Fair Value," to incorporate the disclosure changes required by the ASU.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The amendments in this update align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The Registrants adopted the standard effective January 1, 2020 using the prospective approach. The adoption of the ASU did not have an impact on the Registrants’ Consolidated Financial Statements. On a prospective basis, costs within the scope of this amendment will be accounted for consistent with any underlying service contracts. Capitalized implementation costs will be reflected in Other noncurrent assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and amortization of these costs will be reflected in Operation and maintenance within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Cash flow activity will be reflected in the Other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities line within the Operating Activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The Registrants adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2020. The Registrants have updated Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets," to incorporate the disclosure changes required by the ASU.
In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities. The amendments in this update modify the requirements for determining whether fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests and require reporting entities to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis. The Registrants adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of the ASU did not have a significant impact on the Registrants’ Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Issued Pronouncements
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this update simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions, and clarifying certain requirements regarding franchise taxes, goodwill, consolidated tax expenses, and annual effective tax rate calculations. The ASU is effective for the Registrants for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Registrants will adopt the ASU on its effective date using a modified retrospective approach. The ASU will not have a significant impact on the Registrants' Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, as amended. The amendments in this update provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The optional expedients are effective for the modification of existing contracts or new arrangements executed March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Registrants are currently assessing the impact of this standard on their Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity. The amendments in this update simplify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts indexed to and potentially settled in an entity's own equity. The ASU is effective for the Registrants for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU will not have a significant impact on the Registrants' Consolidated Financial Statements.
v3.20.4
Acquisitions and Dispositions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Acquisitions and Dispositions ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
Power and Industrial Projects Segment Acquisition
On February 18, 2020, DTE Energy closed on the purchase of an 8 MW combined heat and power generation facility from South Jersey Industries (“SJI”) that provides electricity and hot and chilled water to a hotel and casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Direct transaction costs primarily related to advisory fees were immaterial and are included in Operation and maintenance in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of consideration provided for the acquisition was approximately $95 million paid in cash.
The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the cost was allocated to the underlying net assets based on their respective fair values as shown below:
(In millions)
Contract intangibles$17 
Property, plant, and equipment, net76 
Working capital2 
Total$95 
The intangible assets recorded pertain to existing customer contracts and were estimated by applying the income approach, based on discounted projected cash flows attributable to the existing agreements. The contract intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 13 years, which is based on the number of years the assets are expected to economically contribute to the business. The pro forma financial information has not been presented for DTE Energy because the effects of the acquisition were not material to the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Electric Segment Acquisition
Effective September 12, 2019, DTE Sustainable Generation closed on the purchase of 89 MW of renewable energy projects located in Michigan from Heritage Sustainable Energy in support of DTE Energy's renewable energy goals. Direct transaction costs primarily related to advisory fees were immaterial and were included in Operation and maintenance in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period incurred. The fair value of consideration provided for the acquisition was approximately $175 million, paid in cash.
The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the cost was allocated to the underlying net assets based on their respective fair values as shown below:
(In millions)
Contract intangibles$109 
Property, plant, and equipment, net60 
Working capital6 
Total$175 
The intangible assets recorded pertain to existing customer contracts and were estimated by applying the income approach, based on discounted projected cash flows attributable to the existing agreements. The contract intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis with useful lives ranging from 11 years to 13 years, which is based on the remaining number of years the assets are expected to economically contribute to the business. The pro forma financial information has not been presented for DTE Energy because the effects of the acquisition were not material to the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In conjunction with the above acquisition, DTE Sustainable Generation closed on a purchase and sale agreement with Heritage Sustainable Energy in January 2020 to acquire an additional renewable energy project for approximately $33 million paid in cash.
The acquired projects are non-utility operations and related revenues are classified accordingly as Operating Revenues - Non-utility operations within DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Electric segment results of operations. Refer to Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Segment and Related Information."
Gas Storage and Pipelines Segment Acquisition
On December 4, 2019, DTE Energy closed on the purchase of midstream natural gas assets in support of its strategy to continue to grow and earn competitive returns for shareholders. DTE Energy purchased 100 percent of M5 Louisiana Gathering, LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries from Momentum Midstream and Indigo Natural Resources. The acquisition includes the Blue Union and LEAP assets which provide natural gas gathering and other midstream services to producers located primarily in Louisiana. The acquired assets are part of DTE Energy's non-utility Gas Storage and Pipelines segment.
The fair value of the consideration provided for the entities acquired was $2.74 billion and included $2.36 billion paid in cash and an estimated $380 million of contingent consideration to be paid upon completion of the LEAP gathering pipeline. A liability for the contingent consideration payment was recorded upon acquisition and adjusted each period for accretion. Refer to the Acquisition related deferred payment line in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for the liability balance for the respective reporting periods. Accretion expense of $5 million and $1 million was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In July 2020, the LEAP gathering pipeline achieved the final milestone of its construction and consideration of $385 million was paid on July 27, 2020 in two equal installments.
The acquisition was financed through the issuance of Equity Units, common stock, and Senior Notes. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Long-Term Debt," for more information.
The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired was classified as goodwill. The factors contributing to the recognition of goodwill were based on various strategic benefits that are expected to be realized from the Blue Union and LEAP acquisition. The acquisition will provide DTE Energy with a platform for midstream growth and access to further investment opportunities in the Haynesville basin. The goodwill is being deducted for income tax purposes.
December 3, 2020 marked the expiration of the one-year period from the acquisition to revise the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. As a result of purchase accounting adjustments through December 3, 2020, approximately $2 million of additional goodwill was recognized. The purchase price is no longer subject to resolution of any indemnification claims and all cash consideration paid and held in escrow has been released.
The final allocation of the purchase price was based on estimated fair values of the Blue Union and LEAP assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition, December 4, 2019. The components of the final purchase price allocation, inclusive of purchase accounting adjustments, are as follows:
(In millions)
Assets
Cash$62 
Accounts receivable31 
Property, plant, and equipment, net1,034 
Goodwill173 
Customer relationship intangibles1,473 
Other current assets1 
$2,774 
Liabilities
Accounts payable$26 
Acquisition related deferred payment380 
Other current liabilities2 
Asset retirement obligations9 
$417 
Total cash consideration$2,357 
The intangible assets recorded as a result of the acquisition pertain to existing customer relationships, which were valued at approximately $1.47 billion as of the acquisition date. The fair value of the intangible assets acquired was estimated by applying the income approach. The income approach is based upon discounted projected future cash flows attributable to the existing contracts and agreements. The fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs, including management estimates and assumptions, and thus represents a Level 3 measurement, pursuant to the applicable accounting guidance. Key estimates and inputs include revenue and expense projections and discount rates based on the risks associated with the entities. The intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 40 years, which is based on the number of years the assets are expected to economically contribute to the business. The expected economic benefit incorporates existing customer contracts with a weighted average amortization life of 13 years and expected renewal rates, based on the estimated volume and production lives of gas resources in the region. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Significant Accounting Policies," for more information.
DTE Energy incurred $18 million of direct transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2019. These costs were primarily related to advisory fees and included in Operation and maintenance in DTE Energy's 2019 Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, DTE Energy incurred $49 million of issuance costs related to the acquisition financing, of which $10 million were included in Mortgage bonds, notes, and other, and $39 million were included in Common Stock in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
DTE Energy's 2019 Consolidated Statements of Operations included Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations of $15 million and Net Income of $3 million associated with the acquired entities for the one-month period following the acquisition date, excluding the $18 million transaction costs described above. The pro forma financial information was not presented for DTE Energy because the effects of the acquisition were not material to the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
DTE Midstream Spin-off
On October 27, 2020, DTE Energy announced that its Board of Directors has authorized management to pursue a plan to spin-off the DTE Midstream business. DTE Energy expects to complete the separation by mid-year 2021, subject to final approval by its Board of Directors, the Form 10 registration statement being declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission, regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of other conditions. DTE Energy shareholder approval is not required to effect the separation transaction. Upon closing of the transaction, DTE Energy shareholders will own shares of both DTE Energy and the new midstream company ("DT Midstream"). The planned separation transaction is intended to be a tax-free spin-off for DTE Energy and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. There can be no assurance that any separation transaction will ultimately occur or, if one does occur, of its terms or timing.
v3.20.4
Revenue
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue REVENUE
Significant Accounting Policy
Upon the adoption of Topic 606, revenue is measured based upon the consideration specified in a contract with a customer at the time when performance obligations are satisfied. Under Topic 606, a performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service or a series of distinct goods or services to the customer. The Registrants recognize revenue when performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. The Registrants have determined control to be transferred when the product is delivered or the service is provided to the customer. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, recognition of revenue for the Registrants subsequent to the adoption of Topic 606 is substantially similar in amount and approach to that prior to adoption.
Rates for DTE Electric and DTE Gas include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel and purchased power costs, cost of natural gas, and certain other costs. Revenues are adjusted for differences between actual costs subject to reconciliation and the amounts billed in current rates. Under or over recovered revenues related to these cost recovery mechanisms are included in Regulatory assets or liabilities on the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and are recovered or returned to customers through adjustments to the billing factors.
For discussion of derivative contracts, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Financial and Other Derivative Instruments."
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following is a summary of revenues disaggregated by segment for DTE Energy:
202020192018
(In millions)
Electric(a)
Residential$2,825 $2,427 $2,494 
Commercial1,739 1,795 1,794 
Industrial592 659 690 
Other(b)
364 348 320 
Total Electric operating revenues(c)
$5,520 $5,229 $5,298 
Gas
Gas sales$971 $1,043 $1,055 
End User Transportation218 219 232 
Intermediate Transportation79 78 58 
Other(b)
146 142 91 
Total Gas operating revenues(d)
$1,414 $1,482 $1,436 
Other segment operating revenues
Gas Storage and Pipelines(e)
$754 $501 $485 
Power and Industrial Projects(f)
$1,224 $1,560 $2,204 
Energy Trading(g)
$3,863 $4,610 $5,557 
_______________________________________
(a)Revenues generally represent those of DTE Electric, except $14 million and $5 million of Other revenues related to DTE Sustainable Generation for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(b)Includes revenue adjustments related to various regulatory mechanisms.
(c)Includes $26 million, $22 million, and $21 million under Alternative Revenue Programs and $22 million, $19 million, and $20 million of other revenues, which are both outside the scope of Topic 606, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
(d)Includes $10 million, $8 million, and $2 million under Alternative Revenue Programs and $8 million, $7 million, and $7 million of other revenues, which are both outside the scope of Topic 606, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
(e)Includes revenues outside the scope of Topic 606 primarily related to $9 million of contracts accounted for as leases for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
(f)Includes revenues outside the scope of Topic 606 primarily related to $99 million, $121 million, and $125 million of contracts accounted for as leases for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
(g)Includes revenues outside the scope of Topic 606 primarily related to $2.7 billion, $3.4 billion, and $4.5 billion of derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Nature of Goods and Services
The following is a description of principal activities, separated by reportable segments, from which DTE Energy generates revenue. For more detailed information about reportable segments, see Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Segment and Related Information.”
The Registrants have contracts with customers which may contain more than one performance obligation. When more than one performance obligation exists in a contract, the consideration under the contract is allocated to the performance obligations based on the relative standalone selling price. DTE Energy generally determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers or the use of the adjusted market assessment approach. The adjusted market assessment approach involves the evaluation of the market in which DTE Energy sells goods or services and estimating the price that a customer in that market would be willing to pay.
Under Topic 606, when a customer simultaneously receives and consumes the product or service provided, revenue is considered to be recognized over time. Alternatively, if it is determined that the criteria for recognition of revenue over time is not met, the revenue is considered to be recognized at a point in time.
Electric
Electric consists principally of DTE Electric. Electric revenues are primarily comprised of the supply and delivery of electricity, and related capacity. Revenues are primarily associated with cancellable contracts, with the exception of certain long-term contracts with commercial and industrial customers. Revenues, including estimated unbilled amounts, are generally recognized over time based upon volumes delivered or through the passage of time ratably based upon providing a stand-ready service. The Registrants have determined that the above methods represent a faithful depiction of the transfer of control to the customer. Unbilled revenues are typically determined utilizing approved tariff rates and estimated meter volumes. Estimated unbilled amounts recognized in revenue are subject to adjustment in the following reporting period as actual volumes by customer class are known. Revenues are typically subject to tariff rates based upon customer class and type of service and are billed and received monthly. Tariff rates are determined by the MPSC on a per unit or monthly basis.
Gas
Gas consists principally of DTE Gas. Gas revenues are primarily comprised of the supply and delivery of natural gas, and other services including storage, transportation, and appliance maintenance. Revenues are primarily associated with cancellable contracts with the exception of certain long-term contracts with commercial and industrial customers. Revenues, including estimated unbilled amounts, are generally recognized over time based upon volumes delivered or through the passage of time ratably based upon providing a stand-ready service. DTE Energy has determined that the above methods represent a faithful depiction of the transfer of control to the customer. Unbilled revenues are typically determined using both estimated meter volumes and estimated usage based upon the number of unbilled days and historical temperatures. Estimated unbilled amounts recognized in revenue are subject to adjustment in the following reporting period as actual volumes by customer class and service type are known. Revenues are typically subject to tariff rates or other rates subject to regulatory oversight and are billed and received monthly. Tariff rates are determined by the MPSC on a per unit or monthly basis.
Gas Storage and Pipelines
Gas Storage and Pipelines revenues generally consist of services related to the gathering, transportation, and storage of natural gas. Contracts are primarily long-term in nature. Revenues, including estimated unbilled amounts, are generally recognized over time based upon services provided or through the passage of time ratably based upon providing a stand-ready service. Unbilled amounts are generally determined using estimated volumes based on preliminary meter data and contracted rates and typically result in minor adjustments in the following reporting period. DTE Energy has determined that the above methods represent a faithful depiction of the transfer of control to the customer. Revenues are typically billed and received monthly. Pricing for such revenues may consist of demand rates, commodity rates, transportation rates, and other associated fees. Consideration may consist of both fixed and variable components and may be subject to minimum volume commitments. Generally, uncertainties in the variable consideration components are resolved and revenues are known at the time of recognition.
Power and Industrial Projects
Power and Industrial Projects revenues include contracts accounted for as leases which are outside of the scope of Topic 606. For performance obligations within the scope of Topic 606, the timing of revenue recognition is dependent upon when control over the associated product or service is transferred.
Revenues at Power and Industrial Projects, within the scope of Topic 606, generally consist of sales of refined coal, coal, blast furnace coke, coke oven gas, electricity, equipment maintenance services, and other energy related products and services. Revenues, including estimated unbilled amounts, for the sale of blast furnace coke are generally recognized at a point in time when the product is delivered, which represents the transfer of control to the customer. Other revenues are generally recognized over time based upon services provided or through the passage of time ratably based upon providing a stand-ready service. DTE Energy has determined that the above methods represent a faithful depiction of the transfer of control to the customer. Market based pricing structures exist in such contracts including adjustments for consumer price or other indices. Consideration may consist of both fixed and variable components. Generally, uncertainties in the variable consideration components are resolved and revenues are known at the time of recognition. Billing terms vary and are generally monthly with payment terms typically within 30 days following billing.
Energy Trading
Energy Trading revenues consist primarily of derivative contracts outside of the scope of Topic 606. For performance obligations within the scope of Topic 606, the timing of revenue recognition is dependent upon when control over the associated product or service is transferred.
Revenues, including estimated unbilled amounts, within the scope of Topic 606 arising from the sale of natural gas, electricity, power capacity, and other energy related products are generally recognized over time based upon volumes delivered or through the passage of time ratably based upon providing a stand-ready service. DTE Energy has determined that the above methods represent a faithful depiction of the transfer of control to the customer. Revenues are known at the time of recognition. Payment for the aforementioned revenues is generally due from customers in the month following delivery.
Revenues associated with RECs are recognized at a point in time when control of the RECs are transferred to the customer which is deemed to be when the subject RECs are entered for transfer to the customer in the applicable regulatory tracking system. Revenues associated with RECs under a wholesale full requirements power contract are deferred until control has been transferred. The deferred revenues represent a contract liability for which payment has been received and the amounts have been estimated using the adjusted market assessment approach. With the exception of RECs, generally all other performance obligations associated with wholesale full requirements power contracts are satisfied over time in conjunction with the delivery of power. At the time power is delivered, DTE Energy may not have control over the RECs as the RECs are not self-generated and may not yet have been procured resulting in deferred revenues.
Deferred Revenue
The following is a summary of deferred revenue activity:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
Beginning Balance, January 1, 2020$75 
Increases due to cash received or receivable, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period55 
Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period(43)
Ending Balance, December 31, 2020$87 
The deferred revenues at DTE Energy generally represent amounts paid by or receivable from customers for which the associated performance obligation has not yet been satisfied.
Deferred revenues include amounts associated with REC performance obligations under certain wholesale full requirements power contracts. Deferred revenues associated with RECs are recognized as revenue when control of the RECs has transferred.
Other performance obligations associated with deferred revenues include providing products and services related to customer prepayments. Deferred revenues associated with these products and services are recognized when control has transferred to the customer.
The following table represents deferred revenue amounts for DTE Energy that are expected to be recognized as revenue in future periods:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$59 
20227 
20233 
20243 
20257 
2026 and thereafter8 
$87 
Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
In accordance with optional exemptions available under Topic 606, the Registrants did not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (1) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, (2) with the exception of fixed consideration, contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount to which the Registrants have the right to invoice for goods provided and services performed, and (3) contracts for which variable consideration relates entirely to an unsatisfied performance obligation.
Such contracts consist of varying types of performance obligations across the segments, including the supply and delivery of energy related products and services. Contracts with variable volumes and/or variable pricing, including those with pricing provisions tied to a consumer price or other index, have also been excluded as the related consideration under the contract is variable at inception of the contract. Contract lengths vary from cancellable to multi-year.
The Registrants expect to recognize revenue for the following amounts related to fixed consideration associated with remaining performance obligations in each of the future periods noted:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
(In millions)
2021$285 $8 
2022323 7 
2023263 7 
2024158 7 
2025113 1 
2026 and thereafter501 — 
$1,643 $30 
v3.20.4
Goodwill
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill GOODWILL
DTE Energy has goodwill resulting from business combinations.
The following is the summary of change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Balance as of January 1$2,464 $2,293 
Goodwill attributable to Gas Storage and Pipelines 2019 acquisition of Blue Union and LEAP2 171 
Balance at December 31$2,466 $2,464 
v3.20.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, Plant, and Equipment PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
The following is a summary of Property, plant, and equipment by classification as of December 31:
20202019
Property, plant, and equipment(In millions)
DTE Electric
Zero carbon generation
Nuclear$3,295 $3,022 
Renewables1,817 1,362 
Fossil and other generation8,031 7,644 
Distribution10,354 9,715 
Other2,674 2,536 
Total DTE Electric26,171 24,279 
DTE Gas
Distribution4,517 4,164 
Storage576 570 
Transmission and other1,341 1,244 
Total DTE Gas6,434 5,978 
Non-utility and other
Gas Storage and Pipelines3,981 3,524 
Power and Industrial Projects1,194 1,108 
Other217 183 
Non-utility and other5,392 4,815 
Total DTE Energy37,997 35,072 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
DTE Electric
Zero carbon generation
Nuclear(373)(344)
Renewables(295)(243)
Fossil and other generation(3,014)(2,873)
Distribution(2,686)(2,553)
Other(682)(693)
Total DTE Electric(7,050)(6,706)
DTE Gas
Distribution(1,215)(1,334)
Storage(146)(172)
Transmission and other(403)(409)
Total DTE Gas(1,764)(1,915)
Non-utility and other
Gas Storage and Pipelines(511)(459)
Power and Industrial Projects(619)(604)
Other(84)(71)
Non-utility and other(1,214)(1,134)
Total DTE Energy(10,028)(9,755)
Net DTE Energy Property, plant, and equipment$27,969 $25,317 
Net DTE Electric Property, plant, and equipment$19,121 $17,573 
AFUDC and Capitalized Interest
AFUDC represents the cost of financing construction projects for regulated businesses, including the estimated cost of debt and authorized return-on-equity. The debt component is recorded as a reduction to interest expense and the equity component is recorded as other income. Non-regulated businesses record capitalized interest as a reduction to interest expense.
The AFUDC and capitalized interest rates were as follows for the years ended December 31:
202020192018
DTE Electric AFUDC5.47 %5.43 %5.41 %
DTE Gas AFUDC5.56 %5.56 %5.71 %
Non-regulated businesses capitalized interest3.90 %4.00 %4.00 %
The following is a summary of AFUDC and interest capitalized for the years ended December 31:
202020192018
DTE Energy(In millions)
Allowance for debt funds used during construction and interest capitalized$22 $15 $15 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction25 24 28 
Total$47 $39 $43 

202020192018
DTE Electric(In millions)
Allowance for debt funds used during construction$10 $10 $9 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction23 22 19 
Total$33 $32 $28 
Depreciation and Amortization
The composite depreciation rate for DTE Electric was approximately 4.2%, 4.0%, and 3.7% in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The composite depreciation rate for DTE Gas was 2.8% for all periods. The average estimated useful life for each major class of utility Property, plant, and equipment as of December 31, 2020 follows:
Estimated Useful Lives in Years
UtilityGenerationDistributionStorage
DTE Electric3238N/A
DTE GasN/A4958
The estimated useful lives for DTE Electric's Other utility assets range from 3 to 80 years, while the estimated useful lives for DTE Gas' Transmission and other utility assets range from 3 to 80 years. The estimated useful lives for major classes of DTE Energy's non-utility assets and facilities range from 3 to 70 years.
The following is a summary of Depreciation and amortization expense for DTE Energy:
202020192018
(In millions)
Property, plant, and equipment$1,120 $997 $878 
Regulatory assets and liabilities245 227 212 
Intangible assets71 33 27 
Other7 6 7 
$1,443 $1,263 $1,124 
The following is a summary of Depreciation and amortization expense for DTE Electric:
202020192018
(In millions)
Property, plant, and equipment$831 $748 $652 
Regulatory assets and liabilities207 193 179 
Other5 5 5 
$1,043 $946 $836 
Capitalized Software
Capitalized software costs are classified as Property, plant, and equipment and the related amortization is included in accumulated depreciation and amortization on the Registrants' Consolidated Financial Statements. The Registrants capitalize the costs associated with computer software developed or obtained for use in their businesses. The Registrants amortize capitalized software costs on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit, ranging from 3 to 15 years for DTE Energy and 3 to 15 years for DTE Electric.
The following balances for capitalized software relate to DTE Energy:
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Amortization expense of capitalized software$129 $123 $108 
Gross carrying value of capitalized software$866 $906 
Accumulated amortization of capitalized software$432 $520 
The following balances for capitalized software relate to DTE Electric:
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Amortization expense of capitalized software$118 $112 $101 
Gross carrying value of capitalized software$756 $811 
Accumulated amortization of capitalized software$363 $462 
v3.20.4
Jointly-Owned Utility Plant
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Net Ownership Amount [Abstract]  
Jointly-Owned Utility Plant JOINTLY-OWNED UTILITY PLANT
DTE Electric has joint ownership interest in two power plants, Belle River and Ludington Hydroelectric Pumped Storage. DTE Electric’s share of direct expenses of the jointly-owned plants are included in Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility and Operation and maintenance expenses in the DTE Energy Consolidated Statements of Operations and Fuel and purchased power— utility and Operation and maintenance expenses in the DTE Electric Consolidated Statements of Operations.
DTE Electric's ownership information of the two utility plants as of December 31, 2020 was as follows:
Belle RiverLudington
Hydroelectric
Pumped Storage
In-service date1984-19851973
Total plant capacity1,270 MW2,220 MW
Ownership interest81%49%
Investment in Property, plant, and equipment (in millions)$1,932 $609 
Accumulated depreciation (in millions)$945 $181 
Belle River
The Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) has ownership interests in Belle River Unit No. 1 and other related facilities. The MPPA is entitled to 19% of the total capacity and energy of the plant and is responsible for the same percentage of the plant’s operation, maintenance, and capital improvement costs.
Ludington Hydroelectric Pumped Storage
Consumers Energy Company has an ownership interest in the Ludington Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Plant. Consumers Energy is entitled to 51% of the total capacity and energy of the plant and is responsible for the same percentage of the plant’s operation, maintenance, and capital improvement costs.
v3.20.4
Asset Retirement Obligations
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
Asset Retirement Obligations ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
DTE Electric has a legal retirement obligation for the decommissioning costs for its Fermi 1 and Fermi 2 nuclear plants, dismantlement of facilities located on leased property, and various other operations. DTE Electric has conditional retirement obligations for asbestos and PCB removal at certain of its power plants and various distribution equipment. DTE Gas has conditional retirement obligations for gas pipelines, certain service centers, compressor and gate stations. The Registrants recognize such obligations as liabilities at fair market value when they are incurred, which generally is at the time the associated assets are placed in service. Fair value is measured using expected future cash outflows discounted at the Registrants' credit-adjusted risk-free rate. For its utility operations, the Registrants recognize in the Consolidated Statements of Operations removal costs in accordance with regulatory treatment. Any differences between costs recognized related to asset retirement and those reflected in rates are recognized as either a Regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
If a reasonable estimate of fair value cannot be made in the period in which the retirement obligation is incurred, such as for assets with indeterminate lives, the liability is recognized when a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Natural gas storage system and certain other distribution assets for DTE Gas and substations, manholes, and certain other distribution assets for DTE Electric have an indeterminate life. Therefore, no liability has been recorded for these assets.
Changes to asset retirement obligations for 2020, 2019, and 2018 were as follows:
202020192018
DTE Energy(In millions)
Asset retirement obligations at January 1$2,672 $2,469 $2,320 
Accretion157 149 140 
Liabilities incurred25 20 27 
Liabilities settled(14)(17)(16)
Revision in estimated cash flows(1)51 (2)
Asset retirement obligations at December 31$2,839 $2,672 $2,469 
202020192018
DTE Electric(In millions)
Asset retirement obligations at January 1$2,447 $2,271 $2,125 
Accretion145 138 129 
Liabilities incurred18 1 27 
Liabilities settled(8)(14)(8)
Revision in estimated cash flows5 51 (2)
Asset retirement obligations at December 31$2,607 $2,447 $2,271 
Approximately $2.2 billion of the asset retirement obligations represent nuclear decommissioning liabilities that are funded through a surcharge to electric customers over the life of the Fermi 2 nuclear plant. The NRC has jurisdiction over the decommissioning of nuclear power plants and requires minimum decommissioning funding based upon a formula. The MPSC and FERC regulate the recovery of costs of decommissioning nuclear power plants and both require the use of external trust funds to finance the decommissioning of Fermi 2. 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 believes the MPSC collections will be adequate to fund the estimated cost of decommissioning. The decommissioning assets, anticipated earnings thereon, and future revenues from decommissioning collections will be used to decommission Fermi 2. DTE Electric expects the liabilities to be reduced to zero at the conclusion of the decommissioning activities. If amounts remain in the trust funds for Fermi 2 following the completion of the decommissioning activities, those amounts will be disbursed based on rulings by the MPSC and FERC.
A portion of the funds recovered through the Fermi 2 decommissioning surcharge and deposited in external trust accounts is designated for the removal of non-radioactive assets and returning the site to greenfield. This removal and greenfielding is not considered a legal liability. Therefore, it is not included in the asset retirement obligation, but is reflected as the Nuclear decommissioning liability. The decommissioning of Fermi 1 is funded by DTE Electric. Contributions to the Fermi 1 trust are discretionary. For additional discussion of Nuclear decommissioning trust fund assets, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Fair Value."
v3.20.4
Regulatory Matters
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Regulatory Matters REGULATORY MATTERS
Regulation
DTE Electric and DTE Gas are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the MPSC, which issues orders pertaining to rates, recovery of certain costs, including the costs of generating facilities and regulatory assets, conditions of service, accounting, and operating-related matters. DTE Electric is also regulated by the FERC with respect to financing authorization, wholesale electric market activities, certain affiliate transactions, the acquisition and disposition of certain generation and other facilities, and, in conjunction with the NERC, compliance with mandatory reliability standards. Regulation results in differences in the application of generally accepted accounting principles between regulated and non-regulated businesses.
The Registrants are unable to predict the outcome of any unresolved regulatory matters discussed herein. Resolution of these matters is dependent upon future MPSC and FERC orders and appeals, which may materially impact the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrants.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
DTE Electric and DTE Gas are required to record Regulatory assets and liabilities for certain transactions that would have been treated as revenue or expense in non-regulated businesses. Continued applicability of regulatory accounting treatment requires that rates be designed to recover specific costs of providing regulated services and be charged to and collected from customers. Future regulatory changes could result in the discontinuance of this accounting treatment for Regulatory assets and liabilities for some or all of the Registrants' businesses and may require the write-off of the portion of any Regulatory asset or liability that was no longer probable of recovery through regulated rates. Management believes that currently available facts support the continued use of Regulatory assets and liabilities and that all Regulatory assets and liabilities are recoverable or refundable in the current regulatory environment.
The following are balances and a brief description of the Registrants' Regulatory assets and liabilities at December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
Assets(In millions)
Recoverable pension and other postretirement costs
Pension$1,938 $1,983 $1,477 $1,497 
Other postretirement costs165 201 108 131 
Recoverable undepreciated costs on retiring plants664 657 664 657 
Fermi 2 asset retirement obligation645 669 645 669 
Recoverable Michigan income taxes176 189 142 152 
Enhanced Tree Trimming Program deferred costs119 43 119 43 
Accrued PSCR revenue100 3 100 3 
Recoverable income taxes related to AFUDC equity64 56 54 47 
Energy Waste Reduction incentive62 54 49 43 
Deferred environmental costs57 66 — — 
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt55 56 41 40 
Nuclear Performance Evaluation and Review Committee Tracker55 48 55 48 
Customer360 deferred costs51 55 51 55 
Non-service pension and other postretirement costs21 15 — — 
Other recoverable income taxes19 20 19 20 
Transitional Reconciliation Mechanism11 10 11 10 
Other55 51 28 38 
4,257 4,176 3,563 3,453 
Less amount included in Current Assets(129)(5)(123)(5)
$4,128 $4,171 $3,440 $3,448 
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
Liabilities(In millions)
Refundable federal income taxes$2,255 $2,359 $1,827 $1,911 
Removal costs liability831 700 410 483 
Negative other postretirement offset122 93 86 69 
Non-service pension and other postretirement costs78 46 36 21 
COVID-19 voluntary refund30 — 30 — 
Renewable energy21 54 21 54 
Accrued GCR refund20 23 — — 
Other45 54 40 48 
3,402 3,329 2,450 2,586 
Less amount included in Current Liabilities(39)(65)(18)(40)
$3,363 $3,264 $2,432 $2,546 
As noted below, certain Regulatory assets for which costs have been incurred have been included (or are expected to be included, for costs incurred subsequent to the most recently approved rate case) in DTE Electric's or DTE Gas' rate base, thereby providing a return on invested costs (except as noted). Certain other regulatory assets are not included in rate base but accrue recoverable carrying charges until surcharges to collect the assets are billed. Certain Regulatory assets do not result from cash expenditures and therefore do not represent investments included in rate base or have offsetting liabilities that reduce rate base.
ASSETS
•Recoverable pension and other postretirement costs — Accounting standards for pension and other postretirement benefit costs require, among other things, the recognition in Other comprehensive income of the actuarial gains or losses and the prior service costs that arise during the period but are not immediately recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs. DTE Electric and DTE Gas record the impact of actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs as Regulatory assets since the traditional rate setting process allows for the recovery of pension and other postretirement costs. The asset will reverse as the deferred items are amortized and recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs.(a)
•Recoverable undepreciated costs on retiring plants — Deferral of estimated remaining balances associated with coal power plants expected to be retired by the end of 2022.
•Fermi 2 asset retirement obligation — This obligation is for Fermi 2 decommissioning costs. The asset captures the timing differences between expense recognition and current recovery in rates and will reverse over the remaining life of the related plant.(a)
•Recoverable Michigan income taxes — The State of Michigan enacted a corporate income tax resulting in the establishment of state deferred tax liabilities for DTE Energy's utilities.  Offsetting Regulatory assets were also recorded as the impacts of the deferred tax liabilities will be reflected in rates as the related taxable temporary differences reverse and flow through current income tax expense.
•Enhanced Tree Trimming Program deferred costs — The MPSC approved the deferral of costs for a tree trimming surge through 2022, aimed at reducing the number and duration of customer interruptions.  Recovery of these costs and related amortization will be determined at a future rate proceeding.
•Accrued PSCR revenue — Receivable for the temporary under-recovery of and carrying costs on fuel and purchased power costs incurred by DTE Electric which are recoverable through the PSCR mechanism.
•Recoverable income taxes related to AFUDC equity — Accounting standards for income taxes require recognition of a deferred tax liability for the equity component of AFUDC.  A Regulatory asset is required for the future increase in taxes payable related to the equity component of AFUDC that will be recovered from customers through future rates over the remaining life of the related plant.
•Energy Waste Reduction incentive — DTE Electric and DTE Gas operate MPSC approved energy waste reduction programs designed to reduce overall energy usage by their customers. The utilities are eligible to earn an incentive by exceeding statutory savings targets. The utilities have consistently exceeded the savings targets and recognize the incentive as a Regulatory asset in the period earned.(a)
•Deferred environmental costs — The MPSC approved the deferral of investigation and remediation costs associated with DTE Gas' former MGP sites. Amortization of deferred costs is over a ten-year period beginning in the year after costs were incurred, with recovery (net of any insurance proceeds) through base rate filings.(a)
•Unamortized loss on reacquired debt — The unamortized discount, premium, and expense related to debt redeemed with a refinancing are deferred, amortized, and recovered over the life of the replacement issue.
•Nuclear Performance Evaluation and Review Committee Tracker — Deferral and amortization of certain costs associated with oversight and review of DTE Electric's nuclear power generation program, including safety and regulatory compliance, nuclear leadership, nuclear facilities, as well as operation and financial performance, pursuant to the MPSC authorization. Deferrals are amortized over a five-year period with recovery through base rate filings.
•Customer360 deferred costs — The MPSC approved the deferral and amortization of certain costs associated with implementing Customer360, an integrated software application that enables improved interface among customer service, billing, meter reading, credit and collections, device management, account management, and retail access. Amortization of deferred costs over a 15-year amortization period began after the billing system was put into operation during the second quarter of 2017. The deferred costs are recorded as Regulatory Assets at DTE Electric and DTE Gas receives an intercompany charge for their proportionate share of amortization expense.
•Non-service pension and other postretirement costs — Upon adoption of ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018, certain non-service pension and other postretirement costs are no longer capitalized into Property, Plant & Equipment. Such costs may be recorded to Regulatory assets for ratemaking purposes and recovered as amortization expense based on the composite depreciation rate for plant-in-service.
•Other recoverable income taxes — Income taxes receivable from DTE Electric's customers representing the difference in property-related deferred income taxes and amounts previously reflected in DTE Electric's rates. This asset will reverse over the remaining life of the related plant.
•Transitional Reconciliation Mechanism — The MPSC approved the recovery of the deferred net incremental revenue requirement associated with the transition of PLD customers to DTE Electric's distribution system, effective July 1, 2014. Annual reconciliations are filed and surcharges are implemented to recover approved amounts.
________________________________________________
(a)Regulatory assets not earning a return or accruing carrying charges.
LIABILITIES
•Refundable federal income taxes — In December 2017, the TCJA was enacted and reduced the corporate income tax rate, effective January 1, 2018. DTE Electric and DTE Gas remeasured deferred taxes, resulting in a reduction to deferred tax liabilities, to reflect the impact of the TCJA on the cumulative temporary differences expected to reverse after the effective date. Regulatory liabilities were also recorded to offset the impact of the deferred tax remeasurement reflected in rates.
•Removal costs liability — The amounts collected from customers in excess of the estimated cost of future asset removal activities. Cost of removal is included within depreciation rates approved by the MPSC. In 2019, the MPSC approved a settlement agreement in DTE Gas' depreciation case to increase depreciation rates effective following an order in the next general rate case. The new depreciation rates became effective October 1, 2020. In connection with the settlement agreement and the new rates, DTE Gas also re-measured the amount of historical depreciation expense that had been allocated between accumulated depreciation and cost of removal. The reallocation was performed to provide a more accurate estimate of DTE Gas' reserve balances on assets under the group depreciation methodology. Based upon the reallocation, it was determined that the amounts collected for asset removal expenditures, as a component of depreciation, further exceeded actual asset removal expenditures. Accordingly, DTE Gas reallocated amounts from accumulated depreciation to the removal cost regulatory balance, resulting in an increase to the Removal cost liability as of December 31, 2020.
•Negative other postretirement offset — DTE Electric and DTE Gas' negative other postretirement costs are not included as a reduction to their authorized rates; therefore, DTE Electric and DTE Gas are accruing a Regulatory liability to eliminate the impact on earnings of the negative other postretirement expense accrual. The Regulatory liabilities will reverse to the extent DTE Electric and DTE Gas' other postretirement expense is positive in future years.
•Non-service pension and other postretirement costs — Upon adoption of ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018, certain non-service pension and other postretirement cost activity is no longer credited to Property, Plant & Equipment. Such costs may be recorded to regulatory liabilities for ratemaking purposes and refunded through credits to amortization expense based on the composite depreciation rate for plant-in-service.
•COVID-19 voluntary refund — The one-time refund obligation owed to DTE Electric customers due to certain sales increases driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Refer to the "2020 Accounting Applications" section below for additional information related to the voluntary refund.
•Renewable energy — Amounts collected in rates in excess of renewable energy expenditures.
•Accrued GCR refund — Liability for the temporary over-recovery of and a return on gas costs incurred by DTE Gas which are recoverable through the GCR mechanism.
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 implemented the deferral in the second quarter 2020, and there is currently no expiration for the ability to defer these costs.
With the approval of DTE Electric's October 26, 2020 accounting application as noted below, DTE Electric voluntarily reversed its 2020 deferral and recorded as expense, with deferrals resuming in January 2021. DTE Gas deferred $2 million of uncollectible expense as Regulatory assets through December 31, 2020 as a result of the MPSC's COVID-19 response order.
On July 23, 2020, the MPSC further ordered that utilities seeking to recover COVID-19 related expenses beyond uncollectible expense may make an informational filing no later than November 2, 2020. The Registrants did not make a filing, but will continue to monitor MPSC activities involving COVID-19.
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 was primarily due to an increase in net plant resulting from distribution infrastructure and generation investments. The rate filing also requested an increase in return on equity from 10.0% to 10.5% and included projected changes in sales and operating and maintenance expenses. On May 8, 2020, the MPSC issued an order approving an annual revenue increase of $188 million for services rendered on or after May 15, 2020 and a return on equity of 9.9%. The order also disallowed $41 million of capital expenditures related to incentive compensation previously recorded during 2018-2020. The disallowance was recorded during the second quarter 2020 and is included in Asset (gains) losses and impairment, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.
2020 Accounting Applications
On July 9, 2020, the MPSC approved DTE Electric's request to accelerate amortization of the portion of its Refundable federal income taxes regulatory liability related to non-plant accumulated deferred income tax balances that resulted from the TCJA. DTE Electric will increase amortization by $102 million beginning in May 2021, which will fully amortize this portion of the liability by the end of 2021 instead of April 2033. The accelerated amortization will not impact customer rates and will allow DTE Electric to defer its next rate case filing previously set for July 2020 to at least March 2021.
On October 26, 2020, DTE Electric filed an application with the MPSC requesting accounting authority for a one-time regulatory liability. DTE Electric proposed accruing a $30 million voluntary refund obligation due to certain sales increases resulting from the unusual and unprecedented electricity usage patterns driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 9, 2020, the MPSC approved DTE Electric's request. Accordingly, DTE Electric recorded a regulatory liability and reduction to Operating revenues of $30 million. Amortization of the regulatory liability will be used to offset the cost of service related to new plant in 2022. The regulatory liability will be amortized beginning January 1, 2022 through the earlier of new base rates or December 31, 2022. The one-time accounting treatment does not impact customer rates and will allow DTE Electric to further defer its next rate case filing from March 2021 to May 2021.
Additionally, as noted above, DTE Electric began deferring uncollectible expense in the second quarter 2020 as a result of the MPSC's COVID-19 response order. With the approval of the October 26th accounting application, DTE Electric voluntarily reversed this deferral and recorded as expense. This action only applies to DTE Electric in 2020 and the deferral of uncollectible expense will resume beginning in January 2021, as approved by the MPSC on its December 9, 2020 order.
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 was primarily due to an increase in net plant resulting from infrastructure investments and operating and maintenance expenses. The rate filing also requested an increase in return on equity from 10.0% to 10.5% and included projected changes in sales and working capital.
On July 17, 2020, DTE Gas reached a settlement with all intervening parties in the case and filed a settlement agreement authorizing the company to increase base rates by $110 million, reflecting a return on equity of 9.9%. The resulting rates are a net increase to customers of $51 million as an existing Infrastructure Recovery Mechanism (IRM) surcharge will be rolled into the new base rates. The settlement agreement also approved a $20 million annual increase to the amortization of the portion of the Refundable federal income taxes regulatory liability related to non-plant accumulated deferred income tax balances resulting from the TCJA. This increased amortization will cease upon DTE Gas receiving its next rate order. The MPSC approved the settlement agreement on August 20, 2020 and DTE Gas implemented the increases to rates and amortization effective October 1, 2020. In addition, the settlement agreement disallowed capitalized expenditures related to incentive compensation, consistent with the MPSC order issued for DTE Electric on May 8, 2020. In anticipation of this result, DTE Gas recorded a disallowance of $14 million during the second quarter 2020, which is included in Asset (gains) losses and impairment, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.
2021 Gas Rate Case Filing
DTE Gas filed a rate case with the MPSC on February 12, 2021 requesting an increase in base rates of $195 million based on a projected twelve-month period ending December 31, 2022. 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 requested an increase in return on equity from 9.9% to 10.25% and includes projected changes in sales and working capital. A final MPSC order in this case is expected by December 2021.
v3.20.4
Income Taxes
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes INCOME TAXES
Income Tax Summary
DTE Energy files a consolidated federal income tax return. DTE Electric is a part of the consolidated federal income tax return of DTE Energy. DTE Energy and its subsidiaries file consolidated and/or separate company income tax returns in various states and localities, including a consolidated return in the State of Michigan. DTE Electric is part of the Michigan consolidated income tax return of DTE Energy. The federal, state and local income tax expense for DTE Electric is determined on an individual company basis with no allocation of tax expenses or benefits from other affiliates of DTE Energy. DTE Electric had income tax receivables with DTE Energy of $8 million and $14 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Registrants' total Income Tax Expense varied from the statutory federal income tax rate for the following reasons:
202020192018
DTE Energy(In millions)
Income Before Income Taxes$1,538 $1,324 $1,216 
Income tax expense at 21% statutory rate$323 $278 $255 
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit81 48 60 
Production tax credits(121)(128)(223)
TCJA regulatory liability amortization(76)(38)— 
Net operating loss carryback(34)— — 
AFUDC equity(4)(4)(14)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan dividends(4)(3)(3)
Investment tax credits(4)(4)(4)
Stock based compensation(3)(7)(3)
Enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act— — 21 
Noncontrolling interests 1 — 2 
Depreciation2 2 2 
Other, net6 8 5 
Income Tax Expense$167 $152 $98 
Effective income tax rate10.9 %11.5 %8.1 %
202020192018
DTE Electric(In millions)
Income Before Income Taxes$887 $854 $857 
Income tax expense at 21% statutory rate$186 $179 $180 
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit50 49 49 
TCJA regulatory liability amortization(62)(35)— 
Production tax credits(55)(45)(35)
Investment tax credits(4)(4)(3)
AFUDC equity(4)(4)(3)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan dividends(2)(2)(2)
Enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act— — 7 
Depreciation2 2 2 
Other, net(2)(2)(2)
Income Tax Expense$109 $138 $193 
Effective income tax rate12.3 %16.2 %22.5 %
Components of the Registrants' Income Tax Expense were as follows:
202020192018
DTE Energy(In millions)
Current income tax expense (benefit)
Federal$(247)$(184)$(17)
State and other income tax7 7 1 
Total current income taxes(240)(177)(16)
Deferred income tax expense
Federal310 275 38 
State and other income tax97 54 76 
Total deferred income taxes407 329 114 
$167 $152 $98 
202020192018
DTE Electric(In millions)
Current income tax expense
Federal$15 $25 $— 
State and other income tax5 16 4 
Total current income taxes20 41 4 
Deferred income tax expense
Federal30 51 131 
State and other income tax59 46 58 
Total deferred income taxes89 97 189 
$109 $138 $193 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effect of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and the reported amounts in the Registrant's Consolidated Financial Statements. Consistent with the original establishment of these deferred tax liabilities (assets), recognition of these non-cash transactions are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The Registrants' deferred tax assets (liabilities) were comprised of the following at December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Property, plant, and equipment$(4,032)$(3,755)$(3,099)$(2,956)
Regulatory assets and liabilities(108)(47)(53)4 
Tax credit carry-forwards1,144 1,161 278 252 
Pension and benefits321 300 264 258 
Federal net operating loss carry-forward265 276 — — 
State and local net operating loss carry-forwards155 117 — — 
Investments in equity method investees(667)(465)— — 
Other141 138 85 87 
(2,781)(2,275)(2,525)(2,355)
Less valuation allowance(41)(40)— — 
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities$(2,822)$(2,315)$(2,525)$(2,355)
Deferred income tax assets$2,241 $2,264 $883 $865 
Deferred income tax liabilities(5,063)(4,579)(3,408)(3,220)
$(2,822)$(2,315)$(2,525)$(2,355)
Tax credit carry-forwards for DTE Energy include $1.1 billion of general business credits that expire from 2032 through 2040. No valuation allowance is required for the tax credits carry-forward deferred tax asset.
DTE Energy has a pre-tax federal net operating loss carry-forward of $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2020. The net operating loss carry-forwards generated in 2015 and 2016 will expire from 2035 through 2036, and the net operating loss carry-forward generated in 2018 and subsequent years will be carried forward indefinitely. No valuation allowance is required for the federal net operating loss deferred tax asset.
DTE Energy has state and local deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carry-forwards of $155 million and $117 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The state and local net operating loss carry-forwards expire from 2021 through 2040. DTE Energy has recorded valuation allowances at December 31, 2020 and 2019 of approximately $41 million and $40 million, respectively, which are primarily related to these deferred tax assets. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, DTE Energy considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.
Tax credit carry-forwards for DTE Electric include $278 million of general business credits that expire from 2036 through 2040. No valuation allowance is required for the tax credits carry-forward deferred tax asset.
DTE Electric has no state and local deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carry-forwards at December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019.
The above tables exclude unamortized investment tax credits that are shown separately on the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Investment tax credits are deferred and amortized to income over the average life of the related property.
CARES Act
To assist individuals and employers with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act was signed into law in March 2020. The CARES Act included certain tax relief provisions applicable to the Registrants including a) the immediate refund of the corporate AMT credit, b) the ability to carryback net operating losses five years for tax years 2018 through 2020, c) the employee retention credit, and d) delayed payment of employer payroll taxes.
As a result of these provisions, DTE Energy received $220 million of refunds from the U.S. Treasury during the year ended December 31, 2020, including $153 million for the immediate refund of the 2018 remaining AMT credit balance and $67 million as a result of carrying back the 2018 net operating loss to 2013.
In addition, the carryback of the 2018 net operating loss to 2013 resulted in a $34 million reduction in Income Tax Expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 due primarily to the difference in rates between the two years (35% in 2013 and 21% in 2018).
During the second quarter 2020, the Registrants filed a claim for employee retention credits of $6 million, of which $3 million is attributable to DTE Electric. These amounts are included in Taxes other than income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Registrants have also deferred employer payroll taxes of $44 million, of which $23 million is attributable to DTE Electric, increasing the amount of Current Liabilities - Other and Other Liabilities - Other on the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2020.
Uncertain Tax Positions
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the Registrants is as follows:
202020192018
DTE Energy(In millions)
Balance at January 1$10 $10 $10 
Additions for tax positions of prior years— — — 
Balance at December 31$10 $10 $10 
202020192018
DTE Electric(In millions)
Balance at January 1$13 $13 $13 
Additions for tax positions of prior years— — — 
Balance at December 31$13 $13 $13 
DTE Energy had $8 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2020 and 2019 that, if recognized, would favorably impact its effective tax rate. DTE Electric had $10 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2020 and 2019 that, if recognized, would favorably impact its effective tax rate. The Registrants do not anticipate any material decrease in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months.
The Registrants recognize interest and penalties pertaining to income taxes in Interest expense and Other expenses, respectively, on their Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Accrued interest pertaining to income taxes for DTE Energy totaled $5 million and $4 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. DTE Energy recognized interest expense related to income taxes of $1 million in 2020, 2019, and 2018. DTE Energy has not accrued any penalties pertaining to income taxes.
Accrued interest pertaining to income taxes for DTE Electric totaled $6 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019. DTE Electric recognized interest expense related to income taxes of a nominal amount in 2020 and $1 million in 2019 and 2018. DTE Electric has not accrued any penalties pertaining to income taxes.
In 2020, DTE Energy, including DTE Electric, settled a federal tax audit for the 2018 tax year. DTE Energy's federal income tax returns for 2019 and subsequent years remain subject to examination by the IRS. DTE Energy's Michigan Business Tax returns for the years 2008-2011 and Michigan Corporate Income Tax returns for the year 2015 and subsequent years remain subject to examination by the State of Michigan. DTE Energy also files tax returns in numerous state and local jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitation.
v3.20.4
Earnings Per Share
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings Per Share EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net income, adjusted for income allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the dilution that would occur if any potentially dilutive instruments were exercised or converted into common shares. DTE Energy's participating securities are restricted shares under the stock incentive program that contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends. Equity units, performance shares, and stock options do not receive cash dividends; as such, these awards are not considered participating securities. For additional information, see Notes 15 and 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Long-Term Debt" and "Stock-Based Compensation," respectively.
The following is a reconciliation of DTE Energy's basic and diluted income per share calculation for the years ended December 31:
202020192018
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Basic Earnings per Share
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company$1,368 $1,169 $1,120 
Less: Allocation of earnings to net restricted stock awards(2)(2)(2)
Net income available to common shareholders — basic$1,366 $1,167 $1,118 
Average number of common shares outstanding — basic193 185 181 
Basic Earnings per Common Share$7.09 $6.32 $6.18 
Diluted Earnings per Share
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company$1,368 $1,169 $1,120 
Less: Allocation of earnings to net restricted stock awards(2)(2)(2)
Net income available to common shareholders — diluted$1,366 $1,167 $1,118 
Average number of common shares outstanding - diluted193 185 181 
Diluted Earnings per Common Share(a)
$7.08 $6.31 $6.17 
_______________________________________
(a)Equity Units excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS were approximately 10.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and 6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as the dilutive stock price threshold was not met. For more information, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Long-Term Debt."
v3.20.4
Fair Value
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value 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, 2020 and 2019. 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(a):
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Other(b)
Netting(c)
Net BalanceLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Other(b)
Netting(c)
Net Balance
(In millions)
Assets
Cash equivalents(d)
$438 $— $— $— $— $438 $15 $— $— $— $— $15 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts
Equity securities947 — — 222 — 1,169 1,046 — — — — 1,046 
Fixed income securities102 371 — 82 — 555 160 378 — — — 538 
Private equity and other— — — 104 — 104 — — — 43 — 43 
Cash equivalents27 — — — — 27 34 — — — — 34 
Other investments(e)
Equity securities55 — — — — 55 140 — — — — 140 
Fixed income securities8 — — — — 8 79 — — — — 79 
Cash equivalents97 — — — — 97 4 — — — — 4 
Derivative assets
Commodity contracts(f)
Natural gas99 74 60 — (156)77 205 76 74 — (266)89 
Electricity— 128 52 — (120)60 — 223 83 — (225)81 
Environmental & Other— 150 4 — (135)19 — 110 3 — (110)3 
Foreign currency exchange contracts— — — — — — — 1 — — — 1 
Total derivative assets99 352 116 — (411)156 205 410 160 — (601)174 
Total$1,773 $723 $116 $408 $(411)$2,609 $1,683 $788 $160 $43 $(601)$2,073 
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Commodity contracts(f)
Natural gas$(88)$(59)$(76)$— $151 $(72)$(221)$(41)$(89)$— $266 $(85)
Electricity— (126)(42)— 125 (43)— (231)(67)— 225 (73)
Environmental & Other— (137)— — 129 (8)— (121)— — 110 (11)
Foreign currency exchange contracts— (5)— — — (5)— — — — — — 
Total$(88)$(327)$(118)$— $405 $(128)$(221)$(393)$(156)$— $601 $(169)
Net Assets (Liabilities) at end of period$1,685 $396 $(2)$408 $(6)$2,481 $1,462 $395 $4 $43 $— $1,904 
Assets
Current$532 $260 $92 $— $(330)$554 $218 $320 $123 $— $(513)$148 
Noncurrent1,241 463 24 408 (81)2,055 1,465 468 37 43 (88)1,925 
Total Assets$1,773 $723 $116 $408 $(411)$2,609 $1,683 $788 $160 $43 $(601)$2,073 
Liabilities
Current$(84)$(223)$(79)$— $318 $(68)$(211)$(300)$(85)$— $513 $(83)
Noncurrent(4)(104)(39)— 87 (60)(10)(93)(71)— 88 (86)
Total Liabilities$(88)$(327)$(118)$— $405 $(128)$(221)$(393)$(156)$— $601 $(169)
Net Assets (Liabilities) at end of period$1,685 $396 $(2)$408 $(6)$2,481 $1,462 $395 $4 $43 $— $1,904 
_______________________________________
(a)See footnotes on following page.
_______________________________________
(b)Amounts represent assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.
(c)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.
(d)At December 31, 2020, the $438 million consisted of $436 million and $2 million of cash equivalents included in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash, respectively, on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. At December 31, 2019, the $15 million consisted of $4 million and $11 million of cash equivalents included in Cash and cash equivalents and Other investments, respectively, on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(e)Excludes cash surrender value of life insurance investments.
(f)For contracts with a clearing agent, DTE Energy nets all activity across commodities. This can result in some individual commodities having a contra balance.
The following table presents assets for DTE Electric measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Other(a)
Net Balance Level 1Level 2Level 3
Other(a)
Net Balance
(In millions)
Assets
Cash equivalents(b)
$4 $— $— $— $4 $11 $— $— $— $11 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts
Equity securities947 — — 222 1,169 1,046 — — — 1,046 
Fixed income securities102 371 — 82 555 160 378 — — 538 
Private equity and other— — — 104 104 — — — 43 43 
Cash equivalents27 — — — 27 34 — — — 34 
Other investments
Equity securities16 — — — 16 13 — — — 13 
Fixed income securities11 — — — 11 — — — — — 
Derivative assets — FTRs— — 4 — 4 — — 3 — 3 
Total$1,107 $371 $4 $408 $1,890 $1,264 $378 $3 $43 $1,688 
Assets
Current$4 $— $4 $— $8 $11 $— $3 $— $14 
Noncurrent1,103 371 — 408 1,882 1,253 378 — 43 1,674 
Total Assets$1,107 $371 $4 $408 $1,890 $1,264 $378 $3 $43 $1,688 
_______________________________________
(a)Amounts represent assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.
(b)At December 31, 2020, the $4 million consisted of cash equivalents included in Cash and cash equivalents on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. At December 31, 2019, the $11 million consisted of cash equivalents included in Other investments 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 commingled funds. Exchange-traded debt and equity securities held directly, as well as publicly-traded commingled funds, are valued using quoted market prices in actively traded markets. Non-exchange traded fixed income securities are valued based upon quotations available from brokers or pricing services.
Non-publicly traded commingled funds holding exchange-traded equity or debt securities are valued based on stated NAVs. There are no significant restrictions for these funds and investments may be redeemed with 7 to 65 days notice depending on the fund. There is no intention to sell the investment in these commingled funds.
Private equity and other assets include a diversified group of funds that are classified as NAV assets. These funds primarily invest in private equity partnerships, as well as real estate and private debt. Distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying fund assets over the life of the funds. There are generally no redemption rights. The limited partner must hold the fund for its life or find a third-party buyer, which may need to be approved by the general partner. The funds are established with varied contractual durations generally in the range of 7 years to 12 years. The fund life can often be extended by several years by the general partner, and further extended with the approval of the limited partners. Unfunded commitments related to these investments totaled $183 million and $151 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
For pricing the nuclear decommissioning trusts and other investments, 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 source of a given security if the trustee determines that another price source is considered 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.
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:
Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Natural GasElectricityOtherTotalNatural GasElectricityOtherTotal
(In millions)
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of January 1$(15)$16 $3 $4 $(49)$(2)$7 $(44)
Transfers from Level 3 into Level 2(2)— — (2)— — — — 
Total gains (losses)
Included in earnings(75)113 (7)31 15 77 (1)91 
Recorded in Regulatory liabilities— — 20 20 — — 2 2 
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:
Settlements76 (119)(12)(55)19 (59)(5)(45)
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of December 31$(16)$10 $4 $(2)$(15)$16 $3 $4 
Total gains (losses) included in Net Income attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31(a)
$(4)$70 $(70)$(4)$(1)$59 $(38)$20 
Total gains (losses) included in Regulatory liabilities attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31$— $— $4 $4 $— $— $3 $3 
_______________________________________
(a)Amounts are reflected in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations and Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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:
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
Net Assets as of January 1$3 $6 
Change in fair value recorded in Regulatory liabilities20 2 
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:
Settlements(19)(5)
Net Assets as of December 31$4 $3 
Total gains (losses) included in Regulatory liabilities attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31$4 $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 from or into Level 3 for DTE Electric during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The following tables present the unobservable inputs related to DTE Energy's Level 3 assets and liabilities:
December 31, 2020
Commodity ContractsDerivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesValuation TechniquesUnobservable InputRangeWeighted Average
(In millions)
Natural Gas$60 $(76)Discounted Cash FlowForward basis price (per MMBtu)$(0.86)—$2.50 /MMBtu$(0.07)/MMBtu
Electricity$52 $(42)Discounted Cash FlowForward basis price (per MWh)$(9)—$6 /MWh$— /MWh
December 31, 2019
Commodity ContractsDerivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesValuation TechniquesUnobservable InputRangeWeighted Average
(In millions)
Natural Gas$74 $(89)Discounted Cash FlowForward basis price (per MMBtu)$(1.78)—$5.78 /MMBtu$(0.09)/MMBtu
Electricity$83 $(67)Discounted Cash FlowForward basis price (per MWh)$(10)—$6 /MWh$— /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 weighted average price for unobservable inputs was calculated using the average of forward price curves for natural gas and electricity and the absolute value of monthly volumes.
The inputs listed above would have had 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 have resulted in a higher (lower) fair value for long positions, with offsetting impacts to short positions.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments for DTE Energy:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
CarryingFair ValueCarryingFair Value
AmountLevel 1Level 2Level 3AmountLevel 1Level 2Level 3
(In millions)
Notes receivable(a), excluding lessor finance leases
$141 $— $— $141 $184 $— $— $184 
Short-term borrowings$38 $— $38 $— $828 $— $828 $— 
Notes payable(b)
$19 $— $— $19 $25 $— $— $25 
Long-term debt(c)
$19,439 $2,547 $18,230 $1,397 $16,606 $2,572 $14,207 $1,252 
_______________________________________
(a)Current portion included in Current Assets — Other on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(b)Included in Current Liabilities — Other and Other Liabilities — Other on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(c)Includes debt due within one year, unamortized debt discounts, and issuance costs. Excludes finance lease obligations.
The following table presents the carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments for DTE Electric:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
CarryingFair ValueCarryingFair Value
AmountLevel 1Level 2Level 3AmountLevel 1Level 2Level 3
(In millions)
Notes receivable — Other(a)
$16 $— $— $16 $9 $— $— $9 
Short-term borrowings — affiliates$101 $— $— $101 $97 $— $— $97 
Short-term borrowings — other$— $— $— $— 354 $— $354 $— 
Notes payable(b)
$17 $— $— $17 $21 $— $— $21 
Long-term debt(c)
$8,236 $— $9,579 $379 $7,180 $— $7,916 $173 
_______________________________________
(a)Included in Current Assets — Other and Other Assets — Other on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(b)Included in Current Liabilities — Other and Other Liabilities — Other on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(c)Includes debt due within one year, unamortized debt discounts, and issuance costs. Excludes finance lease obligations.
For further fair value information on financial and derivative instruments, see Note 14 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 Asset retirement obligation 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. See Note 9 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,
20202019
(In millions)
Fermi 2$1,841 $1,650 
Fermi 13 3 
Low-level radioactive waste11 8 
$1,855 $1,661 
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,
202020192018
(In millions)
Realized gains$192 $56 $65 
Realized losses$(111)$(31)$(42)
Proceeds from sale of securities$2,350 $788 $1,203 
Realized gains and losses from the sale of securities and unrealized gains and losses incurred by the Fermi 2 trust are recorded to Regulatory assets and the Nuclear decommissioning liability. Realized gains and losses from the sale of securities and unrealized gains and losses on the low-level radioactive waste funds are recorded to the 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, 2020December 31, 2019
Fair
Value		Unrealized
Gains		Unrealized LossesFair
Value		Unrealized
Gains		Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
Equity securities$1,169 $481 $(6)$1,046 $396 $(39)
Fixed income securities555 20 (1)538 24 (1)
Private equity and other104 — — 43 — — 
Cash equivalents27 — — 34 — — 
$1,855 $501 $(7)$1,661 $420 $(40)
The following table summarizes the fair value of the fixed income securities held in nuclear decommissioning trust funds by contractual maturity:
December 31, 2020
(In millions)
Due within one year$51 
Due after one through five years101 
Due after five through ten years89 
Due after ten years232 
$473 
Fixed income securities held in nuclear decommissioning trust funds include $82 million of non-publicly traded commingled funds that do not have a contractual maturity date.
Other Securities
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Registrants' securities included in Other investments on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position were comprised primarily of investments within DTE Energy's rabbi trust. The rabbi trust was established to fund certain non-qualified pension benefits, and therefore changes in market value are recognized in earnings. Gains and losses are allocated from DTE Energy to DTE Electric and are included in Other Income or Other Expense, respectively, in the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table summarizes DTE Energy's gains (losses) related to the trust:
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Gains (losses) related to equity securities$(1)$27 $(8)
Gains (losses) related to fixed income securities(2)10 (3)
$(3)$37 $(11)
v3.20.4
Financial and Other Derivative Instruments
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Financial and Other Derivative Instruments FINANCIAL AND OTHER DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Registrants recognize all derivatives at their fair value as Derivative assets or liabilities on their respective Consolidated Statements of Financial Position unless they qualify for certain scope exceptions, including the normal purchases and normal sales exception. Further, derivatives that qualify and are designated for hedge accounting are classified as either hedges of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge); or as hedges of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge). For cash flow hedges, the derivative gain or loss is deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and later reclassified into earnings when the underlying transaction occurs. For fair value hedges, changes in fair values for the derivative and hedged item are recognized in earnings each period. For derivatives that do not qualify or are not designated for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings each period.
The Registrants' primary market risk exposure is associated with commodity prices, credit, and interest rates. The Registrants have risk management policies to monitor and manage market risks. The Registrants use derivative instruments to manage some of the exposure. DTE Energy uses derivative instruments for trading purposes in its Energy Trading segment. Contracts classified as derivative instruments include electricity, natural gas, oil, certain environmental contracts, forwards, futures, options, swaps, and foreign currency exchange contracts. Items not classified as derivatives include natural gas and environmental inventory, pipeline transportation contracts, some environmental contracts, and natural gas storage assets.
DTE Electric — DTE Electric generates, purchases, distributes, and sells electricity. DTE Electric uses forward contracts to manage changes in the price of electricity and fuel. Substantially all of these contracts meet the normal purchases and normal sales exception and are therefore accounted for under the accrual method. Other derivative contracts are MTM and recoverable through the PSCR mechanism when settled. This results in the deferral of unrealized gains and losses as Regulatory assets or liabilities until realized.
DTE Gas — DTE Gas purchases, stores, transports, distributes, and sells natural gas, and buys and sells transportation and storage capacity. DTE Gas has fixed-priced contracts for portions of its expected natural gas supply requirements through March 2023. Substantially all of these contracts meet the normal purchases and normal sales exception and are therefore accounted for under the accrual method. Forward transportation and storage contracts are generally not derivatives and are therefore accounted for under the accrual method.
Gas Storage and Pipelines — This segment is primarily engaged in services related to the gathering, transportation, and storage of natural gas. Primarily fixed-priced contracts are used in the marketing and management of transportation and storage services. Generally, these contracts are not derivatives and are therefore accounted for under the accrual method.
Power and Industrial Projects — This segment manages and operates energy and pulverized coal projects, a coke battery, reduced emissions fuel projects, renewable gas recovery, and power generation assets. Primarily fixed-price contracts are used in the marketing and management of the segment assets. These contracts are generally not derivatives and are therefore accounted for under the accrual method.
Energy Trading — Commodity Price Risk — Energy Trading markets and trades electricity, natural gas physical products, and energy financial instruments, and provides energy and asset management services utilizing energy commodity derivative instruments. Forwards, futures, options, and swap agreements are used to manage exposure to the risk of market price and volume fluctuations in its operations. These derivatives are accounted for by recording changes in fair value to earnings unless hedge accounting criteria are met.
Energy Trading — Foreign Currency Exchange Risk — Energy Trading has foreign currency exchange forward contracts to economically hedge fixed Canadian dollar commitments existing under natural gas and power purchase and sale contracts and natural gas transportation contracts. Energy Trading enters into these contracts to mitigate price volatility with respect to fluctuations of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. These derivatives are accounted for by recording changes in fair value to earnings unless hedge accounting criteria are met.
Corporate and Other — Interest Rate Risk — DTE Energy may use interest rate swaps, treasury locks, and other derivatives to hedge the risk associated with interest rate market volatility.
Credit Risk — DTE Energy maintains credit policies that significantly minimize overall credit risk. These policies include an evaluation of potential customers’ and counterparties’ financial condition, including the viability of underlying productive assets, credit rating, collateral requirements, or other credit enhancements such as letters of credit or guarantees. DTE Energy generally uses standardized agreements that allow the netting of positive and negative transactions associated with a single counterparty. DTE Energy maintains a provision for credit losses based on factors surrounding the credit risk of its customers, historical trends, and other information. Based on DTE Energy's credit policies and its December 31, 2020 provision for credit losses, DTE Energy’s exposure to counterparty nonperformance is not expected to have a material adverse effect on DTE Energy's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Derivative Activities
DTE Energy manages its MTM risk on a portfolio basis based upon the delivery period of its contracts and the individual components of the risks within each contract. Accordingly, it records and manages the energy purchase and sale obligations under its contracts in separate components based on the commodity (e.g. electricity or natural gas), the product (e.g. electricity for delivery during peak or off-peak hours), the delivery location (e.g. by region), the risk profile (e.g. forward or option), and the delivery period (e.g. by month and year). The following describes the categories of activities represented by their operating characteristics and key risks:
•Asset Optimization — Represents derivative activity associated with assets owned and contracted by DTE Energy, including forward natural gas purchases and sales, natural gas transportation, and storage capacity. Changes in the value of derivatives in this category typically economically offset changes in the value of underlying non-derivative positions, which do not qualify for fair value accounting. The difference in accounting treatment of derivatives in this category and the underlying non-derivative positions can result in significant earnings volatility.
•Marketing and Origination — Represents derivative activity transacted by originating substantially hedged positions with wholesale energy marketers, producers, end-users, utilities, retail aggregators, and alternative energy suppliers.
•Fundamentals Based Trading — Represents derivative activity transacted with the intent of taking a view, capturing market price changes, or putting capital at risk. This activity is speculative in nature as opposed to hedging an existing exposure.
•Other — Includes derivative activity at DTE Electric related to FTRs. Changes in the value of derivative contracts at DTE Electric are recorded as Derivative assets or liabilities, with an offset to Regulatory assets or liabilities as the settlement value of these contracts will be included in the PSCR mechanism when realized.
The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments for DTE Energy:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Derivative
Assets		Derivative
Liabilities		Derivative
Assets		Derivative
Liabilities
(In millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign currency exchange contracts$— $(4)$— $— 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Commodity contracts
Natural gas$233 $(223)$355 $(351)
Electricity180 (168)306 (298)
Environmental & Other154 (137)113 (121)
Foreign currency exchange contracts— (1)1 — 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$567 $(529)$775 $(770)
Current$446 $(386)$646 $(596)
Noncurrent121 (147)129 (174)
Total derivatives$567 $(533)$775 $(770)
The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments for DTE Electric:
December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
FTRs — Other current assets$4 $3 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$4 $3 
Certain of DTE Energy's derivative positions are subject to netting arrangements which provide for offsetting of asset and liability positions as well as related cash collateral. Such netting arrangements generally do not have restrictions. Under such netting arrangements, DTE Energy offsets the fair value of derivative instruments with cash collateral received or paid for those contracts executed with the same counterparty, which reduces DTE Energy's Total Assets and Liabilities. Cash collateral is allocated between the fair value of derivative instruments and customer accounts receivable and payable with the same counterparty on a pro-rata basis to the extent there is exposure. Any cash collateral remaining, after the exposure is netted to zero, is reflected in Accounts receivable and Accounts payable as collateral paid or received, respectively.
DTE Energy also provides and receives collateral in the form of letters of credit which can be offset against net Derivative assets and liabilities as well as Accounts receivable and payable. DTE Energy had issued letters of credit of $7 million outstanding at December 31, 2020 and $6 million at December 31, 2019, which could be used to offset net Derivative liabilities. Letters of credit received from third parties which could be used to offset net Derivative assets were $9 million and $4 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Such balances of letters of credit are excluded from the tables below and are not netted with the recognized assets and liabilities in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
For contracts with certain clearing agents, the fair value of derivative instruments is netted against realized positions with the net balance reflected as either 1) a Derivative asset or liability or 2) an Account receivable or payable. Other than certain clearing agents, Accounts receivable and Accounts payable that are subject to netting arrangements have not been offset against the fair value of Derivative assets and liabilities.
The following table presents net cash collateral offsetting arrangements for DTE Energy:
December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
Cash collateral netted against Derivative assets$(12)$— 
Cash collateral netted against Derivative liabilities6 — 
Cash collateral recorded in Accounts receivable(a)
14 13 
Cash collateral recorded in Accounts payable(a)
(1)(3)
Total net cash collateral posted (received)$7 $10 
_______________________________________
(a)Amounts are recorded net by counterparty.
The following table presents the netting offsets of Derivative assets and liabilities for DTE Energy:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial PositionNet Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial PositionGross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial PositionNet Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(In millions)
Derivative assets
Commodity contracts
Natural gas$233 $(156)$77 $355 $(266)$89 
Electricity180 (120)60 306 (225)81 
Environmental & Other154 (135)19 113 (110)3 
Foreign currency exchange contracts— — — 1 — 1 
Total derivative assets$567 $(411)$156 $775 $(601)$174 
Derivative liabilities
Commodity contracts
Natural gas$(223)$151 $(72)$(351)$266 $(85)
Electricity(168)125 (43)(298)225 (73)
Environmental & Other(137)129 (8)(121)110 (11)
Interest rate contracts— — — — — — 
Foreign currency exchange contracts(5)— (5)— — — 
Total derivative liabilities$(533)$405 $(128)$(770)$601 $(169)
The following table presents the netting offsets of Derivative assets and liabilities showing the reconciliation of derivative instruments to DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Derivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesDerivative AssetsDerivative Liabilities
CurrentNoncurrentCurrentNoncurrentCurrentNoncurrentCurrentNoncurrent
(In millions)
Total fair value of derivatives$446 $121 $(386)$(147)$646 $129 $(596)$(174)
Counterparty netting(318)(81)318 81 (513)(88)513 88 
Collateral adjustment(12)— — 6 — — — — 
Total derivatives as reported$116 $40 $(68)$(60)$133 $41 $(83)$(86)
The effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows:
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on DerivativesGain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives for Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Commodity contracts
Natural gasOperating Revenues — Non-utility operations $(70)$44 $(42)
Natural gasFuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility20 (5)(94)
ElectricityOperating Revenues — Non-utility operations 91 44 49 
Environmental & OtherOperating Revenues — Non-utility operations (118)(26)(1)
Foreign currency exchange contractsOperating Revenues — Non-utility operations (6)(2)7 
Total$(83)$55 $(81)
Revenues and energy costs related to trading contracts are presented on a net basis in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations. Commodity derivatives used for trading purposes, and financial non-trading commodity derivatives, are accounted for using the MTM method with unrealized and realized gains and losses recorded in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations. Non-trading physical commodity sale and purchase derivative contracts are generally accounted for using the MTM method with unrealized and realized gains and losses for sales recorded in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations and purchases recorded in Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility.
The following represents the cumulative gross volume of DTE Energy's derivative contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2020:
CommodityNumber of Units
Natural gas (MMBtu)1,757,668,006 
Electricity (MWh)29,383,355 
Foreign currency exchange ($ CAD)144,655,453 
Renewable Energy Certificates (MWh)9,221,803 
Carbon emissions (Metric Ton)12,495,202 
Various subsidiaries of DTE Energy have entered into contracts which contain ratings triggers and are guaranteed by DTE Energy. These contracts contain provisions which allow the counterparties to require that DTE Energy post cash or letters of credit as collateral in the event that DTE Energy’s credit rating is downgraded below investment grade. Certain of these provisions (known as "hard triggers") state specific circumstances under which DTE Energy can be required to post collateral upon the occurrence of a credit downgrade, while other provisions (known as "soft triggers") are not as specific. For contracts with soft triggers, it is difficult to estimate the amount of collateral which may be requested by counterparties and/or which DTE Energy may ultimately be required to post. The amount of such collateral which could be requested fluctuates based on commodity prices (primarily natural gas, power, environmental, and coal) and the provisions and maturities of the underlying transactions. As of December 31, 2020, DTE Energy's contractual obligation to post collateral in the form of cash or letters of credit in the event of a downgrade to below investment grade, under both hard trigger and soft trigger provisions, was $428 million.
As of December 31, 2020, DTE Energy had $451 million of derivatives in net liability positions, for which hard triggers exist. There is no collateral that has been posted against such liabilities, including cash and letters of credit. Associated derivative net asset positions for which contractual offset exists were $401 million. The net remaining amount of $50 million is derived from the $428 million noted above.
v3.20.4
Long-Term Debt
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]  
Long-Term Debt LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-Term Debt
DTE Energy's long-term debt outstanding and weighted average interest rates of debt outstanding at December 31 were:
Interest Rate(a)
Maturity Date20202019
(In millions)
Mortgage bonds, notes, and other
DTE Energy Debt, Unsecured2.7%2022 — 2033$8,175 $6,625 
DTE Electric Taxable Debt, Principally Secured3.9%2021 — 20508,030 6,930 
DTE Electric Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds(b)
4.1%2021 — 2030278 310 
DTE Gas Taxable Debt, Principally Secured4%2023 — 20501,910 1,710 
18,393 15,575 
Unamortized debt discount(25)(24)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(104)(91)
Long-term debt due within one year(462)(682)
$17,802 $14,778 
Junior Subordinated Debentures
Subordinated Debentures5.3%2076 — 2080$1,210 $1,180 
Unamortized debt issuance costs(35)(34)
$1,175 $1,146 
_______________________________________
(a)Weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2020.
(b)DTE Electric Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds are issued by a public body that loans the proceeds to DTE Electric on terms substantially mirroring the Revenue Bonds.
DTE Electric's long-term debt outstanding and weighted average interest rates of debt outstanding at December 31 were:
Interest Rate(a)
Maturity Date20202019
(In millions)
Mortgage bonds, notes, and other
Taxable Debt, Principally Secured3.9%2021 — 2050$8,030 $6,930 
Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds(b)
4.1%2021 — 2030278 310 
8,308 7,240 
Unamortized debt discount(16)(15)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(56)(45)
Long-term debt due within one year(462)(632)
$7,774 $6,548 
_______________________________________
(a)Weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2020.
(b)Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds are issued by a public body that loans the proceeds to DTE Electric on terms substantially mirroring the Revenue Bonds.
Debt Issuances
In 2020, the following debt was issued:
CompanyMonthTypeInterest RateMaturity DateAmount
(In millions)
DTE ElectricFebruary
Mortgage Bonds(a)
2.25%2030$600 
DTE ElectricFebruary
Mortgage Bonds(a)
2.95%2050500 
DTE ElectricApril
Mortgage Bonds(b)
2.63%2031600 
DTE EnergyAugust
Senior Notes(c)
1.05%2025800 
DTE GasAugust
Mortgage Bonds(d)
2.35%2030125 
DTE GasAugust
Mortgage Bonds(d)
3.20%2050125 
DTE EnergyOctober
Junior Subordinated Debentures(e)
4.38%2080230 
DTE EnergyOctober
Senior Notes(f)
0.55%2022750 
$3,730 
_______________________________________
(a)Proceeds used for the repayment of $300 million of DTE Electric's 2010 Series A 4.89% Senior Notes due 2020, repayment of short-term borrowings, capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.
(b)Proceeds used for the repayment of $300 million of DTE Electric's 2010 Series B 3.45% Senior Notes due 2020, repayment of $32 million of DTE Electric's 2008 Series KT Variable Rate Senior Notes due 2020, repayment of short-term borrowings, capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.
(c)Proceeds used for the repayment of short-term borrowings and for general corporate purposes.
(d)Proceeds used for the repayment of $50 million of DTE Gas's 2008 Series I 6.36% Senior Notes due 2020 and for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures.
(e)Proceeds used for the repayment of $200 million of DTE Energy's 2012 Series C 5.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2062 and for general corporate purposes.
(f)Proceeds used for the repayment of DTE Energy's $500 million unsecured term loan expiring March 2021, repayment of DTE Energy's $167 million unsecured term loan expiring June 2021, and general corporate purposes.
Debt Redemptions
In 2020, the following debt was redeemed:
CompanyMonthTypeInterest RateMaturity DateAmount
(In millions)
DTE ElectricMarchSenior Notes4.89%2020$300 
DTE ElectricJulySenior Notes5.63%202032 
DTE ElectricJulySenior Notes3.45%2020300 
DTE GasSeptemberSenior Notes6.36%202050 
DTE EnergyOctoberJunior Subordinated Debentures5.25%2062200 
$882 
The following table shows the Registrants' scheduled debt maturities, excluding any unamortized discount on debt:
202120222023202420252026 and ThereafterTotal
(In millions)
DTE Energy(a)
$462 $3,466 $1,177 $1,425 $1,220 $11,853 $19,603 
DTE Electric$462 $316 $202 $400 $350 $6,578 $8,308 
_______________________________________
(a)Amounts include DTE Electric's scheduled debt maturities.
Junior Subordinated Debentures
DTE Energy has the right to defer interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Should DTE Energy exercise this right, it cannot declare or pay dividends on, or redeem, purchase or acquire, any of its capital stock during the deferral period. Any deferred interest payments will bear additional interest at the rate associated with the related debt issue. As of December 31, 2020, no interest payments have been deferred on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
Cross Default Provisions
Substantially all of the net utility properties of DTE Electric and DTE Gas are subject to the lien of mortgages. Should DTE Electric or DTE Gas fail to timely pay their indebtedness under these mortgages, such failure may create cross defaults in the indebtedness of DTE Energy.
Gas Storage and Pipelines Segment Acquisition Financing
In December 2019, DTE Energy closed on the purchase of midstream natural gas assets. The acquisition was financed through the issuance of Equity Units, Senior Notes, and common stock. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Acquisitions and Dispositions," for more information on the acquisition.
In November 2019, DTE issued $1.3 billion of Equity Units. Each Equity Unit has a stated amount of $50 and was initially issued in the form of a Corporate Unit, comprised of (i) a forward purchase contract to buy DTE Energy common stock (stock purchase contract) and (ii) a 1/20 undivided beneficial ownership interest in a $1,000 principal amount of DTE Energy’s 2019 Series F 2.25% RSNs due 2025. The RSN debt instruments and the stock purchase contract equity instruments are deemed to be separate instruments as the investor may trade the RSNs separately from the stock purchase contracts and may also settle the stock purchase contracts separately. The Corporate Units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DTP.
The stock purchase contract obligates the holder to purchase from DTE Energy on the settlement date, November 1, 2022, for a price of $50 per stock purchase contract, the following number of shares of DTE Energy’s common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments:
•if the AMV of DTE Energy’s common stock, which is the average volume-weighted average price of DTE Energy’s common stock for the trading days during the 20 consecutive scheduled trading day period ending on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the stock purchase contract settlement date, is equal to or greater than $157.50, 0.3175 shares of common stock;
•if the AMV is less than $157.50 but greater than $126.00, a number of shares of common stock equal to $50 divided by the AMV; and
•if the AMV is less than or equal to $126.00, 0.3968 shares of common stock.
The RSNs bear interest at a rate of 2.25% per year, payable quarterly, and mature on November 1, 2025. The RSNs will be remarketed in 2022. If this remarketing is successful, the interest rate on the RSNs will be reset, and interest thereafter will be payable semi-annually at the reset rate. If there is no successful remarketing, the interest rate on the RSNs will not be reset. The holders of the RSNs would have the right to put the RSNs to DTE Energy at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, and the proceeds of the put right would be deemed to have been applied against the holders’ obligation under the stock purchase contracts. DTE Energy may also redeem, in whole or in part, the RSNs in the event of a failed final remarketing.
The present value of the future contract adjustment payments of $150 million was recorded as a reduction of shareholders’ equity, offset by the stock purchase contract liability. The stock purchase contract liability is included in Current Liabilities — Other and Other Liabilities — Other on DTE Energy’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. On February 1, 2020, DTE Energy began paying the stock purchase contract holders quarterly contract adjustment payments at a rate of 4% per year of the stated amount of $50 per Equity Unit, or $2 per year. Interest payments on the RSNs are being recorded as interest expense and stock purchase contract payments are being charged against the liability. Accretion of the stock purchase contract liability is recorded as imputed interest expense.
The treasury stock method is used to compute diluted EPS for the stock purchase contract. Under the treasury stock method, the stock purchase contract will only have a dilutive effect when the settlement rate is based on the market value of DTE’s common stock that is greater than $157.50 (the threshold appreciation price). At December 31, 2020, the stock purchase price contract was anti-dilutive and, therefore, not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.
If payments for the stock purchase contract are deferred, DTE Energy may not make any cash distributions related to its capital stock, including dividends, redemptions, repurchases, liquidation payments or guarantee payments. Also, during the deferral period, DTE Energy may not make any payments on or redeem or repurchase any debt securities that are equal in right of payment with, or subordinated to, the RSNs.
Until settlement of the stock purchase contracts, the shares of stock underlying each contract are not outstanding. Under the terms of the stock purchase contracts, assuming no anti-dilution or other adjustments, DTE Energy will issue between 8.3 million and 10.3 million shares of its common stock in November 2022. A total of 13 million shares of DTE Energy’s common stock have been reserved for issuance in connection with the stock purchase contracts.
Selected information about DTE Energy’s Equity Units is presented below:
Issuance DateUnits IssuedTotal Net ProceedsTotal Long-Term DebtRSN Annual Interest RateStock Purchase Contract Annual RateStock Purchase Settlement Date
Stock Purchase Contract Liability(a)
RSN Maturity Date
(In millions, except interest rates)
11/1/1926$1,268 $1,300 2.25%4.0%11/1/2022$150 11/1/2025
_______________________________________
(a)Payments of $49 million were made in 2020. The stock purchase contract liability was $101 million and $150 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, exclusive of interest.
v3.20.4
Preferred and Preference Securities
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]  
Preferred and Preference Securities PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE SECURITIES
As of December 31, 2020, the amount of authorized and unissued stock is as follows:
CompanyType of StockPar ValueShares Authorized
DTE EnergyPreferred$— 5,000,000 
DTE ElectricPreferred$100 6,747,484 
DTE ElectricPreference$1 30,000,000 
DTE GasPreferred$1 7,000,000 
DTE GasPreference$1 4,000,000 
v3.20.4
Short-Term Credit Arrangements and Borrowings
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Short-term Debt [Abstract]  
Short-Term Credit Arrangements and Borrowings SHORT-TERM CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS AND BORROWINGS
DTE Energy, DTE Electric, and DTE Gas have unsecured revolving credit agreements that can be used for general corporate borrowings, but are intended to provide liquidity support for each of the companies’ commercial paper programs. Borrowings under the revolvers are available at prevailing short-term interest rates. DTE Energy also has other facilities to support letter of credit issuance.
During 2020, the Registrants entered into a series of unsecured term loans to raise additional liquidity, including terms consistent with the unsecured revolving credit agreements. Several of these term loans were entered into and subsequently repaid in 2020. One unsecured term loan remains as of December 31, 2020, a $200 million loan entered into by DTE Electric in November 2020 with a maturity date in November 2021. Through December 31, 2020, no amounts have been drawn and commitment fees have not been material. The loan will terminate if no amounts are drawn by April 30, 2021.
In May 2020, DTE Lake Erie Generation, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DTE Energy, entered into a C$110 million unsecured revolving credit agreement to fund construction of on-site electric generation and related infrastructure projects at a Canadian integrated steel manufacturing facility in Ontario, Canada. The revolving credit agreement is guaranteed by DTE Energy and there was C$49 million outstanding as of December 31, 2020. The revolving credit agreement expires in May 2023 and has terms consistent with DTE Energy's unsecured revolving credit agreements.
The unsecured revolving credit agreements require DTE Energy, DTE Electric, and DTE Gas to maintain a total funded debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.65 to 1. In the agreements, "total funded debt" means all indebtedness of each respective company and their consolidated subsidiaries, including finance lease obligations, hedge agreements, and guarantees of third parties’ debt, but excluding contingent obligations, nonrecourse and junior subordinated debt, and certain equity-linked securities and, except for calculations at the end of the second quarter, certain DTE Gas short-term debt. "Capitalization" means the sum of (a) total funded debt plus (b) "consolidated net worth," which is equal to consolidated total equity of each respective company and their consolidated subsidiaries (excluding pension effects under certain FASB statements), as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. At December 31, 2020, the total funded debt to total capitalization ratios for DTE Energy, DTE Electric, and DTE Gas were 0.59 to 1, 0.51 to 1, and 0.48 to 1, respectively, and were in compliance with this financial covenant.
The availability under the facilities in place at December 31, 2020 is shown in the following table:
DTE EnergyDTE ElectricDTE GasTotal
(In millions)
Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in February 2021$150 $— $— $150 
Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in August 2021110 — — 110 
Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021— 200 — 200 
Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 202386 — — 86 
Unsecured revolving credit facility, expiring April 20241,500 500 300 2,300 
1,846 700 300 2,846 
Amounts outstanding at December 31, 2020
Letters of credit193 — — 193 
Revolver borrowings38 — — 38 
231 — — 231 
Net availability at December 31, 2020$1,615 $700 $300 $2,615 
DTE Energy has $59 million of other outstanding letters of credit which are used for various corporate purposes and are not included in the facilities described above. These letters of credit include a $50 million uncommitted letter of credit facility entered into by DTE Energy in July 2020, of which the full amount has been drawn. The facility expires in July 2021 with an automatic renewal provision.
For DTE Energy, the weighted average interest rate for short-term borrowings was 1.1% and 2.0% at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. For DTE Electric, the weighted average interest rate for short-term borrowings was 1.9% at December 31, 2019. There were no short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2020.
In conjunction with maintaining certain exchange-traded risk management positions, DTE Energy may be required to post collateral with its clearing agents. DTE Energy has demand financing agreements with its clearing agents, including an agreement for up to $100 million with an indefinite term and an agreement for up to $150 million currently contracted through 2022 and subject to renewal. The $100 million agreement, as amended, also allows for up to $50 million of additional margin financing provided that DTE Energy posts a letter of credit for the incremental amount. Both agreements allow the right of setoff with posted collateral. At December 31, 2020, the capacity under these facilities was $300 million. The amount outstanding under these agreements was $49 million and $114 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and was fully offset by the posted collateral.
Dividend Restrictions
Certain of DTE Energy’s credit facilities contain a provision requiring DTE Energy to maintain a total funded debt to capitalization ratio, as defined in the agreements, of no more than 0.65 to 1, which has the effect of limiting the amount of dividends DTE Energy can pay in order to maintain compliance with this provision. At December 31, 2020, the effect of this provision was a restriction on dividend payments to no more than $2.8 billion of DTE Energy's Retained earnings of $7.2 billion. There are no other effective limitations with respect to DTE Energy’s ability to pay dividends.
v3.20.4
Leases
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]  
Leases LEASES
Lessee
Leases at DTE Energy are primarily comprised of various forms of equipment, computer hardware, coal railcars, production facilities, buildings, and certain easement leases with terms ranging from approximately 2 to 40 years. Leases at DTE Electric are primarily comprised of various forms of equipment, computer hardware, coal railcars, and certain easement leases with terms ranging from approximately 2 to 40 years.
A lease is deemed to exist when the Registrants have the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment, as conveyed through a contract, for a certain period of time and consideration paid. The right to control is deemed to occur when the Registrants have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets and the right to direct the use of such assets.
Lease liabilities are determined utilizing a discount rate to determine the present values of lease payments. Topic 842 requires the use of the rate implicit in the lease when it is readily determinable. When the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the incremental borrowing rate is used. The Registrants have determined their respective incremental borrowing rates based upon the rate of interest that would have been paid on a collateralized basis over similar tenors to that of the leases. The incremental borrowing rates for DTE Electric and DTE Gas have been determined utilizing respective secured borrowing rates for first mortgage bonds with like tenors of remaining lease terms. Incremental borrowing rates for non-utility entities have been determined utilizing an implied secured borrowing rate based upon an unsecured rate for a similar tenor of remaining lease terms, which is then adjusted for the estimated impact of collateral.
Certain leases of the Registrants contain escalation clauses whereby the payments are adjusted for consumer price or labor indices. DTE Energy has leases with non-index based escalation clauses for fixed dollar or percentage increases. DTE Electric has leases with non-index based escalation clauses for fixed dollar increases. DTE Energy also has leases with variable payments based upon usage of, or revenues associated with, the leased assets. DTE Electric also has leases with variable payments based upon the usage of the leased assets.
Certain leases of easements and coal railcars contain provisions whereby the Registrants have the option to terminate the lease agreement by giving notice of such termination during the time frames specified in the respective lease. The Registrants have considered such provisions in the determination of the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the lease would be terminated.
The Registrants have certain leases which contain purchase options. Based upon the nature of the leased property and terms of the purchase options, the Registrants have determined it is not reasonably certain that such purchase options will be utilized. Thus, the impact of the purchase options has not been included in the determination of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for the subject leases.
The Registrants have certain leases which contain renewal options. Where the renewal options were deemed reasonably certain to occur, the impacts of such options were included in the determination of the right of use assets and lease liabilities.
The Registrants have agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. Consideration in a lease is allocated between lease and non-lease components based upon the estimated relative standalone prices. The Registrants have certain coal railcar leases for which non-lease and lease components are accounted for as a single lease component, as permitted under Topic 842.
The following is a summary of the components of lease cost for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Operating lease cost$39 $41 $14 $17 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets5 4 4 4 
Interest of lease liabilities— — — — 
Total finance lease cost5 4 4 4 
Variable lease cost10 10 — — 
Short-term lease cost12 10 6 3 
$66 $65 $24 $24 
The Registrants have elected not to apply the recognition requirements of Topic 842 to leases with a term of 12 months or less. DTE Energy and DTE Electric record operating, variable, and short-term lease costs as Operating Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, except for certain amounts that may be capitalized to other assets.
The following is a summary of other information related to leases for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Supplemental Cash Flows Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of these liabilities:
Operating cash flows for finance leases$3 $5 $2 $5 
Operating cash flows for operating leases$40 $40 $14 $16 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$18 $68 $— $27 
Finance leases$19 $8 $14 $— 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (Years)
Operating leases9.39.710.410.6
Finance leases7.69.13.12.0
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases3.4 %3.5 %3.3 %3.3 %
Finance leases2.0 %3.1 %1.0 %3.1 %
The Registrants' future minimum lease payments under leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Operating LeasesFinance LeasesOperating LeasesFinance Leases
(In millions)
2021$37 $8 $13 $6 
202231 8 12 6 
202322 8 10 6 
202413 2 8 1 
20258 1 6 — 
2026 and thereafter61 7 32 — 
Total future minimum lease payments172 34 81 19 
Imputed interest(28)(3)(14)— 
Lease liabilities$144 $31 $67 $19 
Finance leases reported on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are as follows for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Right-of-use assets, within Property, plant, and equipment, net$29 $15 $16 $7 
Current lease liabilities, within Current Liabilities — Other$7 $4 $6 $3 
Long-term lease liabilities$24 $11 $13 $4 
Lessor
During 2020, DTE Energy executed a sale of membership interests in the REF business accounted for as a finance lease arrangement with a term of less than 2 years, resulting in a net investment in finance leases of $8 million and selling profit of $11 million. Also in 2020, DTE Energy completed construction of and began operating certain energy infrastructure assets for a large industrial customer under a long-term agreement, where the assets will transfer to the customer at the end of the contract term in 2040. DTE Energy has accounted for a portion of the agreement as a finance lease arrangement, recognizing a net investment of $133 million.
DTE Energy leases a portion of its pipeline system to the Vector Pipeline through a finance lease contract that has been renewed through 2025, with additional renewal options reasonably certain to be exercised through 2040. DTE Energy owns a 40% interest in the Vector Pipeline. DTE Energy's net investment in finance leases relating to Vector Pipeline was $39 million at December 31, 2020, and is included in the finance leases table below.
DTE Energy also leases various assets under operating leases for a pipeline, energy facilities and related equipment. Such leases are comprised of both fixed payments and variable payments which are contingent on volumes, with terms ranging from 2 to 24 years. Generally, the operating leases do not have renewal provisions or options to purchase the assets at the end of the lease. The operating leases generally do not have termination for convenience provisions. Termination may be allowed under specific circumstances stated in the lease contract, such as under an event of default.
Certain of the finance and operating leases have lease terms that extend to the end of the estimated economic life of the leased assets, thereby resulting in no residual value. Any remaining residual values under the finance and operating leases are expected to be recovered through rates, renewals or new lease contracts. Residual values have been determined using the estimated economic life of the leased assets. The finance and operating leases do not contain residual value guarantees.
Certain of the operating leases have both lease and non-lease components. The lease and non-lease components are allocated based upon estimated relative standalone selling prices.
A lease is deemed to exist when the Registrants have provided other parties with the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment, as conveyed through a contract, for a certain period of time and consideration received. The right to control is deemed to occur when the Registrants have provided other parties with the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets and the right to direct the use of such assets.
DTE Energy’s lease income associated with operating leases was as follows for the years ended December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Fixed payments(a)
$66 $65 
Variable payments(a)
124 128 
$190 $193 
_______________________________________
(a)Includes $108 million and $130 million of lease payments reported in Operating Revenues and $82 million and $63 million of lease payments reported in Other income on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
DTE Energy’s minimum future rental revenues under operating leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$62 
202222 
202322 
202422 
202519 
2026 and thereafter175 
$322 
Depreciation expense associated with DTE Energy's property under operating leases was $27 million and $26 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following is a summary of property under operating leases for DTE Energy as of December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Gross property under operating leases$447 $445 
Accumulated amortization of property under operating leases$197 $173 
The components of DTE Energy’s net investment in finance leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$24 
202220 
202319 
202419 
202519 
2026 and thereafter253 
Total minimum future lease receipts354 
Residual value of leased pipeline17 
Less unearned income193 
Net investment in finance lease178 
Less current portion9 
$169 
Interest income recognized under finance leases was $16 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, including $4 million relating to Vector Pipeline for both periods.
Leases LEASES
Lessee
Leases at DTE Energy are primarily comprised of various forms of equipment, computer hardware, coal railcars, production facilities, buildings, and certain easement leases with terms ranging from approximately 2 to 40 years. Leases at DTE Electric are primarily comprised of various forms of equipment, computer hardware, coal railcars, and certain easement leases with terms ranging from approximately 2 to 40 years.
A lease is deemed to exist when the Registrants have the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment, as conveyed through a contract, for a certain period of time and consideration paid. The right to control is deemed to occur when the Registrants have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets and the right to direct the use of such assets.
Lease liabilities are determined utilizing a discount rate to determine the present values of lease payments. Topic 842 requires the use of the rate implicit in the lease when it is readily determinable. When the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the incremental borrowing rate is used. The Registrants have determined their respective incremental borrowing rates based upon the rate of interest that would have been paid on a collateralized basis over similar tenors to that of the leases. The incremental borrowing rates for DTE Electric and DTE Gas have been determined utilizing respective secured borrowing rates for first mortgage bonds with like tenors of remaining lease terms. Incremental borrowing rates for non-utility entities have been determined utilizing an implied secured borrowing rate based upon an unsecured rate for a similar tenor of remaining lease terms, which is then adjusted for the estimated impact of collateral.
Certain leases of the Registrants contain escalation clauses whereby the payments are adjusted for consumer price or labor indices. DTE Energy has leases with non-index based escalation clauses for fixed dollar or percentage increases. DTE Electric has leases with non-index based escalation clauses for fixed dollar increases. DTE Energy also has leases with variable payments based upon usage of, or revenues associated with, the leased assets. DTE Electric also has leases with variable payments based upon the usage of the leased assets.
Certain leases of easements and coal railcars contain provisions whereby the Registrants have the option to terminate the lease agreement by giving notice of such termination during the time frames specified in the respective lease. The Registrants have considered such provisions in the determination of the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the lease would be terminated.
The Registrants have certain leases which contain purchase options. Based upon the nature of the leased property and terms of the purchase options, the Registrants have determined it is not reasonably certain that such purchase options will be utilized. Thus, the impact of the purchase options has not been included in the determination of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for the subject leases.
The Registrants have certain leases which contain renewal options. Where the renewal options were deemed reasonably certain to occur, the impacts of such options were included in the determination of the right of use assets and lease liabilities.
The Registrants have agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. Consideration in a lease is allocated between lease and non-lease components based upon the estimated relative standalone prices. The Registrants have certain coal railcar leases for which non-lease and lease components are accounted for as a single lease component, as permitted under Topic 842.
The following is a summary of the components of lease cost for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Operating lease cost$39 $41 $14 $17 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets5 4 4 4 
Interest of lease liabilities— — — — 
Total finance lease cost5 4 4 4 
Variable lease cost10 10 — — 
Short-term lease cost12 10 6 3 
$66 $65 $24 $24 
The Registrants have elected not to apply the recognition requirements of Topic 842 to leases with a term of 12 months or less. DTE Energy and DTE Electric record operating, variable, and short-term lease costs as Operating Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, except for certain amounts that may be capitalized to other assets.
The following is a summary of other information related to leases for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Supplemental Cash Flows Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of these liabilities:
Operating cash flows for finance leases$3 $5 $2 $5 
Operating cash flows for operating leases$40 $40 $14 $16 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$18 $68 $— $27 
Finance leases$19 $8 $14 $— 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (Years)
Operating leases9.39.710.410.6
Finance leases7.69.13.12.0
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases3.4 %3.5 %3.3 %3.3 %
Finance leases2.0 %3.1 %1.0 %3.1 %
The Registrants' future minimum lease payments under leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Operating LeasesFinance LeasesOperating LeasesFinance Leases
(In millions)
2021$37 $8 $13 $6 
202231 8 12 6 
202322 8 10 6 
202413 2 8 1 
20258 1 6 — 
2026 and thereafter61 7 32 — 
Total future minimum lease payments172 34 81 19 
Imputed interest(28)(3)(14)— 
Lease liabilities$144 $31 $67 $19 
Finance leases reported on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are as follows for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Right-of-use assets, within Property, plant, and equipment, net$29 $15 $16 $7 
Current lease liabilities, within Current Liabilities — Other$7 $4 $6 $3 
Long-term lease liabilities$24 $11 $13 $4 
Lessor
During 2020, DTE Energy executed a sale of membership interests in the REF business accounted for as a finance lease arrangement with a term of less than 2 years, resulting in a net investment in finance leases of $8 million and selling profit of $11 million. Also in 2020, DTE Energy completed construction of and began operating certain energy infrastructure assets for a large industrial customer under a long-term agreement, where the assets will transfer to the customer at the end of the contract term in 2040. DTE Energy has accounted for a portion of the agreement as a finance lease arrangement, recognizing a net investment of $133 million.
DTE Energy leases a portion of its pipeline system to the Vector Pipeline through a finance lease contract that has been renewed through 2025, with additional renewal options reasonably certain to be exercised through 2040. DTE Energy owns a 40% interest in the Vector Pipeline. DTE Energy's net investment in finance leases relating to Vector Pipeline was $39 million at December 31, 2020, and is included in the finance leases table below.
DTE Energy also leases various assets under operating leases for a pipeline, energy facilities and related equipment. Such leases are comprised of both fixed payments and variable payments which are contingent on volumes, with terms ranging from 2 to 24 years. Generally, the operating leases do not have renewal provisions or options to purchase the assets at the end of the lease. The operating leases generally do not have termination for convenience provisions. Termination may be allowed under specific circumstances stated in the lease contract, such as under an event of default.
Certain of the finance and operating leases have lease terms that extend to the end of the estimated economic life of the leased assets, thereby resulting in no residual value. Any remaining residual values under the finance and operating leases are expected to be recovered through rates, renewals or new lease contracts. Residual values have been determined using the estimated economic life of the leased assets. The finance and operating leases do not contain residual value guarantees.
Certain of the operating leases have both lease and non-lease components. The lease and non-lease components are allocated based upon estimated relative standalone selling prices.
A lease is deemed to exist when the Registrants have provided other parties with the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment, as conveyed through a contract, for a certain period of time and consideration received. The right to control is deemed to occur when the Registrants have provided other parties with the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets and the right to direct the use of such assets.
DTE Energy’s lease income associated with operating leases was as follows for the years ended December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Fixed payments(a)
$66 $65 
Variable payments(a)
124 128 
$190 $193 
_______________________________________
(a)Includes $108 million and $130 million of lease payments reported in Operating Revenues and $82 million and $63 million of lease payments reported in Other income on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
DTE Energy’s minimum future rental revenues under operating leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$62 
202222 
202322 
202422 
202519 
2026 and thereafter175 
$322 
Depreciation expense associated with DTE Energy's property under operating leases was $27 million and $26 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following is a summary of property under operating leases for DTE Energy as of December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Gross property under operating leases$447 $445 
Accumulated amortization of property under operating leases$197 $173 
The components of DTE Energy’s net investment in finance leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$24 
202220 
202319 
202419 
202519 
2026 and thereafter253 
Total minimum future lease receipts354 
Residual value of leased pipeline17 
Less unearned income193 
Net investment in finance lease178 
Less current portion9 
$169 
Interest income recognized under finance leases was $16 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, including $4 million relating to Vector Pipeline for both periods.
Leases LEASES
Lessee
Leases at DTE Energy are primarily comprised of various forms of equipment, computer hardware, coal railcars, production facilities, buildings, and certain easement leases with terms ranging from approximately 2 to 40 years. Leases at DTE Electric are primarily comprised of various forms of equipment, computer hardware, coal railcars, and certain easement leases with terms ranging from approximately 2 to 40 years.
A lease is deemed to exist when the Registrants have the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment, as conveyed through a contract, for a certain period of time and consideration paid. The right to control is deemed to occur when the Registrants have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets and the right to direct the use of such assets.
Lease liabilities are determined utilizing a discount rate to determine the present values of lease payments. Topic 842 requires the use of the rate implicit in the lease when it is readily determinable. When the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the incremental borrowing rate is used. The Registrants have determined their respective incremental borrowing rates based upon the rate of interest that would have been paid on a collateralized basis over similar tenors to that of the leases. The incremental borrowing rates for DTE Electric and DTE Gas have been determined utilizing respective secured borrowing rates for first mortgage bonds with like tenors of remaining lease terms. Incremental borrowing rates for non-utility entities have been determined utilizing an implied secured borrowing rate based upon an unsecured rate for a similar tenor of remaining lease terms, which is then adjusted for the estimated impact of collateral.
Certain leases of the Registrants contain escalation clauses whereby the payments are adjusted for consumer price or labor indices. DTE Energy has leases with non-index based escalation clauses for fixed dollar or percentage increases. DTE Electric has leases with non-index based escalation clauses for fixed dollar increases. DTE Energy also has leases with variable payments based upon usage of, or revenues associated with, the leased assets. DTE Electric also has leases with variable payments based upon the usage of the leased assets.
Certain leases of easements and coal railcars contain provisions whereby the Registrants have the option to terminate the lease agreement by giving notice of such termination during the time frames specified in the respective lease. The Registrants have considered such provisions in the determination of the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the lease would be terminated.
The Registrants have certain leases which contain purchase options. Based upon the nature of the leased property and terms of the purchase options, the Registrants have determined it is not reasonably certain that such purchase options will be utilized. Thus, the impact of the purchase options has not been included in the determination of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for the subject leases.
The Registrants have certain leases which contain renewal options. Where the renewal options were deemed reasonably certain to occur, the impacts of such options were included in the determination of the right of use assets and lease liabilities.
The Registrants have agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. Consideration in a lease is allocated between lease and non-lease components based upon the estimated relative standalone prices. The Registrants have certain coal railcar leases for which non-lease and lease components are accounted for as a single lease component, as permitted under Topic 842.
The following is a summary of the components of lease cost for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Operating lease cost$39 $41 $14 $17 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets5 4 4 4 
Interest of lease liabilities— — — — 
Total finance lease cost5 4 4 4 
Variable lease cost10 10 — — 
Short-term lease cost12 10 6 3 
$66 $65 $24 $24 
The Registrants have elected not to apply the recognition requirements of Topic 842 to leases with a term of 12 months or less. DTE Energy and DTE Electric record operating, variable, and short-term lease costs as Operating Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, except for certain amounts that may be capitalized to other assets.
The following is a summary of other information related to leases for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Supplemental Cash Flows Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of these liabilities:
Operating cash flows for finance leases$3 $5 $2 $5 
Operating cash flows for operating leases$40 $40 $14 $16 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$18 $68 $— $27 
Finance leases$19 $8 $14 $— 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (Years)
Operating leases9.39.710.410.6
Finance leases7.69.13.12.0
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases3.4 %3.5 %3.3 %3.3 %
Finance leases2.0 %3.1 %1.0 %3.1 %
The Registrants' future minimum lease payments under leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Operating LeasesFinance LeasesOperating LeasesFinance Leases
(In millions)
2021$37 $8 $13 $6 
202231 8 12 6 
202322 8 10 6 
202413 2 8 1 
20258 1 6 — 
2026 and thereafter61 7 32 — 
Total future minimum lease payments172 34 81 19 
Imputed interest(28)(3)(14)— 
Lease liabilities$144 $31 $67 $19 
Finance leases reported on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are as follows for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Right-of-use assets, within Property, plant, and equipment, net$29 $15 $16 $7 
Current lease liabilities, within Current Liabilities — Other$7 $4 $6 $3 
Long-term lease liabilities$24 $11 $13 $4 
Lessor
During 2020, DTE Energy executed a sale of membership interests in the REF business accounted for as a finance lease arrangement with a term of less than 2 years, resulting in a net investment in finance leases of $8 million and selling profit of $11 million. Also in 2020, DTE Energy completed construction of and began operating certain energy infrastructure assets for a large industrial customer under a long-term agreement, where the assets will transfer to the customer at the end of the contract term in 2040. DTE Energy has accounted for a portion of the agreement as a finance lease arrangement, recognizing a net investment of $133 million.
DTE Energy leases a portion of its pipeline system to the Vector Pipeline through a finance lease contract that has been renewed through 2025, with additional renewal options reasonably certain to be exercised through 2040. DTE Energy owns a 40% interest in the Vector Pipeline. DTE Energy's net investment in finance leases relating to Vector Pipeline was $39 million at December 31, 2020, and is included in the finance leases table below.
DTE Energy also leases various assets under operating leases for a pipeline, energy facilities and related equipment. Such leases are comprised of both fixed payments and variable payments which are contingent on volumes, with terms ranging from 2 to 24 years. Generally, the operating leases do not have renewal provisions or options to purchase the assets at the end of the lease. The operating leases generally do not have termination for convenience provisions. Termination may be allowed under specific circumstances stated in the lease contract, such as under an event of default.
Certain of the finance and operating leases have lease terms that extend to the end of the estimated economic life of the leased assets, thereby resulting in no residual value. Any remaining residual values under the finance and operating leases are expected to be recovered through rates, renewals or new lease contracts. Residual values have been determined using the estimated economic life of the leased assets. The finance and operating leases do not contain residual value guarantees.
Certain of the operating leases have both lease and non-lease components. The lease and non-lease components are allocated based upon estimated relative standalone selling prices.
A lease is deemed to exist when the Registrants have provided other parties with the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment, as conveyed through a contract, for a certain period of time and consideration received. The right to control is deemed to occur when the Registrants have provided other parties with the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets and the right to direct the use of such assets.
DTE Energy’s lease income associated with operating leases was as follows for the years ended December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Fixed payments(a)
$66 $65 
Variable payments(a)
124 128 
$190 $193 
_______________________________________
(a)Includes $108 million and $130 million of lease payments reported in Operating Revenues and $82 million and $63 million of lease payments reported in Other income on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
DTE Energy’s minimum future rental revenues under operating leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$62 
202222 
202322 
202422 
202519 
2026 and thereafter175 
$322 
Depreciation expense associated with DTE Energy's property under operating leases was $27 million and $26 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following is a summary of property under operating leases for DTE Energy as of December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Gross property under operating leases$447 $445 
Accumulated amortization of property under operating leases$197 $173 
The components of DTE Energy’s net investment in finance leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$24 
202220 
202319 
202419 
202519 
2026 and thereafter253 
Total minimum future lease receipts354 
Residual value of leased pipeline17 
Less unearned income193 
Net investment in finance lease178 
Less current portion9 
$169 
Interest income recognized under finance leases was $16 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, including $4 million relating to Vector Pipeline for both periods.
Leases LEASES
Lessee
Leases at DTE Energy are primarily comprised of various forms of equipment, computer hardware, coal railcars, production facilities, buildings, and certain easement leases with terms ranging from approximately 2 to 40 years. Leases at DTE Electric are primarily comprised of various forms of equipment, computer hardware, coal railcars, and certain easement leases with terms ranging from approximately 2 to 40 years.
A lease is deemed to exist when the Registrants have the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment, as conveyed through a contract, for a certain period of time and consideration paid. The right to control is deemed to occur when the Registrants have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets and the right to direct the use of such assets.
Lease liabilities are determined utilizing a discount rate to determine the present values of lease payments. Topic 842 requires the use of the rate implicit in the lease when it is readily determinable. When the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the incremental borrowing rate is used. The Registrants have determined their respective incremental borrowing rates based upon the rate of interest that would have been paid on a collateralized basis over similar tenors to that of the leases. The incremental borrowing rates for DTE Electric and DTE Gas have been determined utilizing respective secured borrowing rates for first mortgage bonds with like tenors of remaining lease terms. Incremental borrowing rates for non-utility entities have been determined utilizing an implied secured borrowing rate based upon an unsecured rate for a similar tenor of remaining lease terms, which is then adjusted for the estimated impact of collateral.
Certain leases of the Registrants contain escalation clauses whereby the payments are adjusted for consumer price or labor indices. DTE Energy has leases with non-index based escalation clauses for fixed dollar or percentage increases. DTE Electric has leases with non-index based escalation clauses for fixed dollar increases. DTE Energy also has leases with variable payments based upon usage of, or revenues associated with, the leased assets. DTE Electric also has leases with variable payments based upon the usage of the leased assets.
Certain leases of easements and coal railcars contain provisions whereby the Registrants have the option to terminate the lease agreement by giving notice of such termination during the time frames specified in the respective lease. The Registrants have considered such provisions in the determination of the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the lease would be terminated.
The Registrants have certain leases which contain purchase options. Based upon the nature of the leased property and terms of the purchase options, the Registrants have determined it is not reasonably certain that such purchase options will be utilized. Thus, the impact of the purchase options has not been included in the determination of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for the subject leases.
The Registrants have certain leases which contain renewal options. Where the renewal options were deemed reasonably certain to occur, the impacts of such options were included in the determination of the right of use assets and lease liabilities.
The Registrants have agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. Consideration in a lease is allocated between lease and non-lease components based upon the estimated relative standalone prices. The Registrants have certain coal railcar leases for which non-lease and lease components are accounted for as a single lease component, as permitted under Topic 842.
The following is a summary of the components of lease cost for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Operating lease cost$39 $41 $14 $17 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets5 4 4 4 
Interest of lease liabilities— — — — 
Total finance lease cost5 4 4 4 
Variable lease cost10 10 — — 
Short-term lease cost12 10 6 3 
$66 $65 $24 $24 
The Registrants have elected not to apply the recognition requirements of Topic 842 to leases with a term of 12 months or less. DTE Energy and DTE Electric record operating, variable, and short-term lease costs as Operating Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, except for certain amounts that may be capitalized to other assets.
The following is a summary of other information related to leases for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Supplemental Cash Flows Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of these liabilities:
Operating cash flows for finance leases$3 $5 $2 $5 
Operating cash flows for operating leases$40 $40 $14 $16 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$18 $68 $— $27 
Finance leases$19 $8 $14 $— 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (Years)
Operating leases9.39.710.410.6
Finance leases7.69.13.12.0
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases3.4 %3.5 %3.3 %3.3 %
Finance leases2.0 %3.1 %1.0 %3.1 %
The Registrants' future minimum lease payments under leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Operating LeasesFinance LeasesOperating LeasesFinance Leases
(In millions)
2021$37 $8 $13 $6 
202231 8 12 6 
202322 8 10 6 
202413 2 8 1 
20258 1 6 — 
2026 and thereafter61 7 32 — 
Total future minimum lease payments172 34 81 19 
Imputed interest(28)(3)(14)— 
Lease liabilities$144 $31 $67 $19 
Finance leases reported on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are as follows for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Right-of-use assets, within Property, plant, and equipment, net$29 $15 $16 $7 
Current lease liabilities, within Current Liabilities — Other$7 $4 $6 $3 
Long-term lease liabilities$24 $11 $13 $4 
Lessor
During 2020, DTE Energy executed a sale of membership interests in the REF business accounted for as a finance lease arrangement with a term of less than 2 years, resulting in a net investment in finance leases of $8 million and selling profit of $11 million. Also in 2020, DTE Energy completed construction of and began operating certain energy infrastructure assets for a large industrial customer under a long-term agreement, where the assets will transfer to the customer at the end of the contract term in 2040. DTE Energy has accounted for a portion of the agreement as a finance lease arrangement, recognizing a net investment of $133 million.
DTE Energy leases a portion of its pipeline system to the Vector Pipeline through a finance lease contract that has been renewed through 2025, with additional renewal options reasonably certain to be exercised through 2040. DTE Energy owns a 40% interest in the Vector Pipeline. DTE Energy's net investment in finance leases relating to Vector Pipeline was $39 million at December 31, 2020, and is included in the finance leases table below.
DTE Energy also leases various assets under operating leases for a pipeline, energy facilities and related equipment. Such leases are comprised of both fixed payments and variable payments which are contingent on volumes, with terms ranging from 2 to 24 years. Generally, the operating leases do not have renewal provisions or options to purchase the assets at the end of the lease. The operating leases generally do not have termination for convenience provisions. Termination may be allowed under specific circumstances stated in the lease contract, such as under an event of default.
Certain of the finance and operating leases have lease terms that extend to the end of the estimated economic life of the leased assets, thereby resulting in no residual value. Any remaining residual values under the finance and operating leases are expected to be recovered through rates, renewals or new lease contracts. Residual values have been determined using the estimated economic life of the leased assets. The finance and operating leases do not contain residual value guarantees.
Certain of the operating leases have both lease and non-lease components. The lease and non-lease components are allocated based upon estimated relative standalone selling prices.
A lease is deemed to exist when the Registrants have provided other parties with the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment, as conveyed through a contract, for a certain period of time and consideration received. The right to control is deemed to occur when the Registrants have provided other parties with the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets and the right to direct the use of such assets.
DTE Energy’s lease income associated with operating leases was as follows for the years ended December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Fixed payments(a)
$66 $65 
Variable payments(a)
124 128 
$190 $193 
_______________________________________
(a)Includes $108 million and $130 million of lease payments reported in Operating Revenues and $82 million and $63 million of lease payments reported in Other income on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
DTE Energy’s minimum future rental revenues under operating leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$62 
202222 
202322 
202422 
202519 
2026 and thereafter175 
$322 
Depreciation expense associated with DTE Energy's property under operating leases was $27 million and $26 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following is a summary of property under operating leases for DTE Energy as of December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Gross property under operating leases$447 $445 
Accumulated amortization of property under operating leases$197 $173 
The components of DTE Energy’s net investment in finance leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$24 
202220 
202319 
202419 
202519 
2026 and thereafter253 
Total minimum future lease receipts354 
Residual value of leased pipeline17 
Less unearned income193 
Net investment in finance lease178 
Less current portion9 
$169 
Interest income recognized under finance leases was $16 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, including $4 million relating to Vector Pipeline for both periods.
v3.20.4
Commitments and Contingencies
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Environmental
DTE Electric
Air — DTE Electric is subject to the EPA ozone and fine particulate transport and acid rain regulations that limit power plant emissions of SO2 and NOX. The EPA and the State of Michigan have also issued emission reduction regulations relating to ozone, fine particulate, regional haze, mercury, and other air pollution. These rules have led to controls on fossil-fueled power plants to reduce SO2, NOX, mercury, and other emissions. Additional rulemakings may occur over the next few years which could require additional controls for SO2, NOX, and other hazardous air pollutants.
The EPA proposed revised air quality standards for ground level ozone in November 2014 and specifically requested comments on the form and level of the ozone standards. The standards were finalized in October 2015. The State of Michigan recommended to the EPA in October 2016 which areas of the state are not attaining the new standard. On April 30, 2018, the EPA finalized the State of Michigan's recommended marginal non-attainment designation for southeast Michigan. The State is required to develop and implement a plan to address the southeast Michigan ozone non-attainment area by 2021. The Registrants cannot predict the scope and associated financial impact of the State's plan to address the ozone non-attainment area at this time.
In July 2009, the Registrants received a NOV/FOV from the EPA alleging, among other things, that five DTE Electric power plants violated New Source Performance standards, Prevention of Significant Deterioration requirements, and operating permit requirements under the Clean Air Act. In June 2010, the EPA issued a NOV/FOV making similar allegations related to a project and outage at Unit 2 of the Monroe Power Plant. In March 2013, DTE Energy received a supplemental NOV from the EPA relating to the July 2009 NOV/FOV. The supplemental NOV alleged additional violations relating to the New Source Review provisions under the Clean Air Act, among other things.
In August 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice, at the request of the EPA, brought a civil suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against DTE Energy and DTE Electric, related to the June 2010 NOV/FOV and the outage work performed at Unit 2 of the Monroe Power Plant. In August 2011, the U.S. District Court judge granted DTE Energy's motion for summary judgment in the civil case, dismissing the case and entering judgment in favor of DTE Energy and DTE Electric. In October 2011, the EPA filed a Notice of Appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In March 2013, the Court of Appeals remanded the case to the U.S. District Court for review of the procedural component of the New Source Review notification requirements. In September 2013, the EPA filed a motion seeking leave to amend their complaint regarding the June 2010 NOV/FOV adding additional claims related to outage work performed at the Trenton Channel and Belle River Power Plants as well as additional claims related to work performed at the Monroe Power Plant. In March 2014, the U.S. District Court judge again granted DTE Energy's motion for summary judgment dismissing the civil case related to Monroe Unit 2. In April 2014, the U.S. District Court judge granted motions filed by the EPA and the Sierra Club to amend their New Source Review complaint adding additional claims for Monroe Units 1, 2, and 3, Belle River Units 1 and 2, and Trenton Channel Unit 9. In October 2014, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice filed a notice of appeal of the U.S. District Court judge's dismissal of the Monroe Unit 2 case. The amended New Source Review claims were all stayed pending resolution of the appeal by the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. On January 10, 2017, a divided panel of the Court reversed the decision of the U.S. District Court. On May 8, 2017, DTE Energy and DTE Electric filed a motion to stay the mandate pending filing of a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court. The Sixth Circuit granted the motion on May 16, 2017, staying the claims in the U.S. District Court until the U.S. Supreme Court disposes of the case. DTE Electric and DTE Energy filed a petition for writ of certiorari on July 31, 2017. On December 11, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari. As a result of the Supreme Court electing not to review the matter, the case was sent back to the U.S. District Court for further proceedings and on June 14, 2018 the case was stayed pending settlement negotiations.
In May 2020, the Registrants, the United States, and the Sierra Club reached a settlement, which was memorialized in the form of a Consent Decree and a separate settlement agreement (Separate Agreement) between the Registrants and Sierra Club. The Consent Decree was submitted and received by the U.S. District Court and the public comment period ended on June 14, 2020. The Consent Decree was entered with the U.S. District Court with an effective date of July 23, 2020 and DTE Electric subsequently paid a civil penalty of $2 million.
Sierra Club submitted the Separate Agreement for entry by the U.S. District Court on May 22, 2020; however, the United States opposed the entry of the Separate Agreement. After reviewing the matter, the U.S. District Court determined that the Separate Agreement is a private settlement agreement and therefore, it should not be incorporated into the Consent Decree or entered by the Court. Based on this, Sierra Club voluntarily withdrew its initial complaint in the case, acknowledging that it has resolved the matter privately with DTE Electric by way of the Separate Agreement. On December 3, 2020, the U.S. District Court entered an Opinion and Order Granting Intervenor's Motion for Voluntary Dismissal.
As of December 31, 2020, $5 million remains accrued for the settlement with spend expected to begin in early 2021. The Separate Agreement also requires DTE to contribute at least $2 million to community based environmental projects, no later than June 30, 2021.
The Registrants believe that the plants and generating units identified by the EPA and the Sierra Club have complied with all applicable federal environmental regulations. DTE Electric is required to retire, repower, refuel, or retrofit units at four power plants by the dates set forth in the Consent Decree and implement a supplemental environmental project. The Registrants do not expect the outcome of this matter to have a material impact on their Consolidated Financial Statements.
The EPA has implemented regulatory actions under the Clean Air Act to address emissions of GHGs from the utility sector and other sectors of the economy. Among these actions, in 2015 the EPA finalized performance standards for emissions of carbon dioxide from new and existing fossil-fuel fired EGUs. The performance standards for existing EGUs, known as the EPA Clean Power Plan, were challenged by petitioners and stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court in February 2016 pending final review by the courts. On October 10, 2017, the EPA, under a new administration, proposed to rescind the Clean Power Plan, and in August 2018, the EPA proposed revised emission guidelines for GHGs from existing EGUs. On June 19, 2019, the EPA Administrator officially repealed the Clean Power Plan and finalized its replacement, named the ACE rule. The ACE Rule requires the state of Michigan to submit a plan in 2022 that includes GHG standards for existing coal-fired power plant units in Michigan. These final rules do not impact DTE Energy's commitment for its electric utility operations to reduce carbon emissions 32% by 2023, 50% by 2030, and 80% by 2040 from 2005 carbon emissions levels, or its goal of net zero emissions for its electric utility operations by 2050.
In addition to the GHG standards for existing EGUs, in December 2018, the EPA issued proposed revisions to the carbon dioxide performance standards for new, modified, or reconstructed fossil-fuel fired EGUs. The carbon standards for new sources are not expected to have a material impact on DTE Electric, since DTE Electric has no plans to build new coal-fired generation and any potential new gas generation will be able to comply with the standards.
Pending or future legislation or other regulatory actions could have a material impact on DTE Electric's operations and financial position and the rates charged to its customers. Impacts include expenditures for environmental equipment beyond what is currently planned, financing costs related to additional capital expenditures, the purchase of emission credits from market sources, higher costs of purchased power, and the retirement of facilities where control equipment is not economical. DTE Electric would seek to recover these incremental costs through increased rates charged to its utility customers, as authorized by the MPSC.
To comply with air pollution requirements, DTE Electric has spent approximately $2.4 billion. DTE Electric does not anticipate additional capital expenditures for air pollution requirements through 2025, subject to the results of future rulemakings.
Water — In response to an EPA regulation, DTE Electric was required to examine alternatives for reducing the environmental impacts of the cooling water intake structures at several of its facilities. Based on the results of completed studies and expected future studies, DTE Electric may be required to install technologies to reduce the impacts of the water intake structures. A final rule became effective in October 2014. The final rule requires studies to be completed and submitted as part of the NPDES permit application process to determine the type of technology needed to reduce impacts to fish. DTE Electric has initiated the process of completing the required studies. Final compliance for the installation of any required technology will be determined by the state on a case by case, site specific basis. DTE Electric is currently evaluating the compliance options and working with the State of Michigan on evaluating whether any controls are needed. These evaluations/studies may require modifications to some existing intake structures. It is not possible to quantify the impact of this rulemaking at this time.
Contaminated and Other Sites — Prior to the construction of major interstate natural gas pipelines, gas for heating and other uses was manufactured locally from processes involving coal, coke, or oil. The facilities, which produced gas, have been designated as MGP sites. DTE Electric conducted remedial investigations at contaminated sites, including three former MGP sites. Cleanup of one of the MGP sites is complete, and the site is closed. The investigations have revealed contamination related to the by-products of gas manufacturing at each MGP site. In addition to the MGP sites, DTE Electric is also in the process of cleaning up other contaminated sites, including the area surrounding an ash landfill, electrical distribution substations, electric generating power plants, and underground and aboveground storage tank locations. The findings of these investigations indicated that the estimated cost to remediate these sites is expected to be incurred over the next several years. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, DTE Electric had $10 million and $8 million, respectively, accrued for remediation. These costs are not discounted to their present value. Any change in assumptions, such as remediation techniques, nature and extent of contamination, and regulatory requirements, could impact the estimate of remedial action costs for the sites and affect DTE Electric’s financial position and cash flows. DTE Electric believes the likelihood of a material change to the accrued amount is remote based on current knowledge of the conditions at each site.
Coal Combustion Residuals and Effluent Limitations Guidelines — A final EPA rule for the disposal of coal combustion residuals, commonly known as coal ash, became effective in October 2015, and was revised in October 2016, July 2018, September 2020, and November 2020. The rule is based on the continued listing of coal ash as a non-hazardous waste and relies on various self-implementation design and performance standards. DTE Electric owns and operates three permitted engineered coal ash storage facilities to dispose of coal ash from coal-fired power plants and operates a number of smaller impoundments at its power plants subject to certain provisions in the CCR rule. At certain facilities, the rule currently requires ongoing sampling and testing of monitoring wells, compliance with groundwater standards, and the closure of basins at the end of the useful life of the associated power plant.
On September 28, 2020, the CCR rule "A Holistic Approach to Closure Part A: Deadline to Initiate Closure and Enhancing Public Access to Information" became effective and establishes April 11, 2021 as the new deadline for all unlined impoundments (including units previously classified as "clay-lined") to initiate closure. Additionally, the rule amends certain reporting requirements and CCR website requirements. On November 12, 2020, an additional revision to the CCR Rule "A Holistic Approach to Closure Part B: Alternate Demonstration for Unlined Surface Impoundments" was published in the Federal Register that provides a process to determine if certain unlined impoundments consist of an alternative liner system that may be as protective as the current liners specified in the CCR rule, and therefore may continue to operate. DTE Electric is currently evaluating both final rules to determine any changes to DTE Electric's plans in the operation and closure of coal ash impoundments.
At the State level, legislation was signed by the Governor in December 2018 and provides for further regulation of the CCR program in Michigan. Additionally, the bill provides the basis of a CCR program that EGLE has submitted to the EPA for approval to fully regulate the CCR program in Michigan in lieu of a Federal permit program.
In October 2020, the EPA published in the Federal Register the final version of the ELG Reconsideration Rule (Final Rule) which updates the 2015 ELG Rule (2015 Rule). The Final Rule establishes the technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and standards applicable to flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater and bottom ash transport water. The EPA set the applicability dates for bottom ash transport water and FGD wastewater retrofits to be "as soon as possible" beginning October 13, 2021 and no later than December 31, 2025. Compliance schedules for individual facilities and individual waste streams are determined through issuance of new NPDES permits by the State of Michigan. The State of Michigan has issued a NPDES permit for the Belle River Power Plant establishing a compliance deadline of December 31, 2021 based on the 2015 Rule. Due to completion of the Final Rule in 2020, the compliance deadlines within the NPDES permit for Belle River Power Plant will be revised accordingly. No new permits that would require ELG compliance have been issued for other facilities, consequently no compliance timelines have been established.
On April 12, 2017, the EPA granted a petition for reconsideration of the 2015 ELG Rule. The EPA also signed an administrative stay of the ELG Rule’s compliance deadlines for fly ash transport water, bottom ash transport water, and FGD wastewater, among others. On June 6, 2017, the EPA published in the Federal Register a proposed rule (Postponement Rule) to postpone certain applicable deadlines within the 2015 ELG rule. The Postponement Rule was published on September 18, 2017. The Postponement Rule nullified the administrative stay but also extended the earliest compliance deadlines for only FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water until November 1, 2020 in order for the EPA to propose and finalize a new ruling. On October 13, 2020, the EPA finalized the ELG Reconsideration Rule which revised the regulations from the 2015 ELG rule. The Reconsideration Rule revises requirements for two specific waste streams produced by steam electric power plants: FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water. The Reconsideration Rule also provides additional compliance opportunities by finalizing low utilization and cessation of coal burning subcategories. The Reconsideration Rule provides new opportunities for DTE Electric to evaluate existing ELG compliance strategies and make any necessary adjustments to ensure full compliance with the ELGs in a cost effective manner.
DTE Electric is currently evaluating compliance strategies, technologies and system designs for both FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water system to achieve compliance with the final rule.
DTE Electric has estimated the impact of the CCR and ELG rules to be $721 million of capital expenditures, including $601 million through 2025.
DTE Gas
Air — In June 2020, DTE Energy expanded its net zero goal to include its gas utility operations by committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 from procurement of natural gas through delivery. In addition, DTE Gas committed to partner with customers to help them reduce GHG emissions through energy efficiency and participation in a voluntary emissions offset program. Further details of the DTE Gas net zero goal will emerge as the company evaluates strategies and technologies for reducing emissions.
Contaminated and Other Sites — DTE Gas owns or previously owned, 14 former MGP sites. Investigations have revealed contamination related to the by-products of gas manufacturing at each site. Cleanup of eight of the MGP sites is complete and the sites are closed. DTE Gas has also completed partial closure of four additional sites. Cleanup activities associated with the remaining sites will continue over the next several years. The MPSC has established a cost deferral and rate recovery mechanism for investigation and remediation costs incurred at former MGP sites. In addition to the MGP sites, DTE Gas is also in the process of cleaning up other contaminated sites, including gate stations, gas pipeline releases, and underground storage tank locations. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, DTE Gas had $24 million and $25 million, respectively, accrued for remediation. These costs are not discounted to their present value. Any change in assumptions, such as remediation techniques, nature and extent of contamination, and regulatory requirements, could impact the estimate of remedial action costs for the sites and affect DTE Gas' financial position and cash flows. DTE Gas anticipates the cost amortization methodology approved by the MPSC, which allows for amortization of the MGP costs over a ten-year period beginning with the year subsequent to the year the MGP costs were incurred, will prevent the associated investigation and remediation costs from having a material adverse impact on DTE Gas' results of operations.
Non-utility
DTE Energy's non-utility businesses are subject to a number of environmental laws and regulations dealing with the protection of the environment from various pollutants.
In March 2019, the EPA issued an FOV to EES Coke, the Michigan coke battery facility that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DTE Energy, alleging that the 2008 and 2014 permits issued by EGLE did not comply with the Clean Air Act. In September 2020, the EPA issued another FOV alleging EES Coke's 2018 and 2019 SO2 emissions exceeded projections and hence violated non-attainment new source review requirements. EES Coke evaluated the EPA's alleged violations and believes that the permits approved by EGLE complied with the Clean Air Act. EES Coke also responded to the EPA's September 2020 allegations demonstrating its actual emissions are compliant with non-attainment new source review requirements. Discussions with the EPA are ongoing. At the present time, DTE Energy cannot predict the outcome or financial impact of this FOV.
In January 2021, DTE Midstream announced a goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, including a 30% reduction in carbon emissions in the next decade. To achieve this goal, DTE Midstream plans comprehensive integration of carbon capture strategies to reduce carbon emissions in its operations.
Other
In 2010, the EPA finalized a new one-hour SO2 ambient air quality standard that requires states to submit plans and associated timelines for non-attainment areas that demonstrate attainment with the new SO2 standard in phases. Phase 1 addresses non-attainment areas designated based on ambient monitoring data. Phase 2 addresses non-attainment areas with large sources of SO2 and modeled concentrations exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for SO2. Phase 3 addresses smaller sources of SO2 with modeled or monitored exceedances of the new SO2 standard.
Michigan's Phase 1 non-attainment area includes DTE Energy facilities in southwest Detroit and areas of Wayne County. Modeling runs by EGLE suggest that emission reductions may be required by significant sources of SO2 emissions in these areas, including DTE Electric power plants and DTE Energy's Michigan coke battery facility. As part of the SIP process, DTE Energy has worked with EGLE to develop air permits reflecting significant SO2 emission reductions that, in combination with other non-DTE Energy sources' emission reduction strategies, will help the state attain the standard and sustain its attainment. Since several non-DTE Energy sources are also part of the proposed compliance plan, DTE Energy is unable to determine the full impact of the final required emissions reductions on DTE's facilities at this time.
Michigan's Phase 2 non-attainment area includes DTE Electric facilities in St. Clair County. EGLE has not made a final determination on SIP strategy for this area, pending the EPA's review of a clean data determination request. Until agency plans are final, DTE Energy is unable to determine the impacts.
Synthetic Fuel Guarantees
DTE Energy discontinued the operations of its synthetic fuel production facilities throughout the United States as of December 31, 2007. DTE Energy provided certain guarantees and indemnities in conjunction with the sales of interests in its synfuel facilities. The guarantees cover potential commercial, environmental, oil price, and tax-related obligations that will survive until 90 days after expiration of all applicable statutes of limitations. DTE Energy estimates that its maximum potential liability under these guarantees at December 31, 2020 was approximately $400 million. Payment under these guarantees is considered remote.
REF Guarantees
DTE Energy has provided certain guarantees and indemnities in conjunction with the sales of interests in or lease of its REF facilities. The guarantees cover potential commercial, environmental, and tax-related obligations that will survive until 90 days after expiration of all applicable statutes of limitations. DTE Energy estimates that its maximum potential liability under these guarantees at December 31, 2020 was $581 million. Payments under these guarantees are considered remote.
NEXUS Guarantees
NEXUS is party to certain 15-year capacity agreements for the transportation of natural gas with DTE Gas and Texas Eastern Transmission, LP, an unrelated third party. In conjunction with these agreements, DTE Energy provided certain guarantees on behalf of NEXUS to DTE Gas and Texas Eastern Transmission, LP, with maximum potential payments totaling $209 million and $335 million at December 31, 2020, respectively; each representing 50% of all payment obligations due and payable by NEXUS. Each guarantee terminates at the earlier of (i) such time as all of the guaranteed obligations have been fully performed, or (ii) two months following the end of the primary term of the capacity agreements. The amount of each guarantee decreases annually as payments are made by NEXUS to each of the aforementioned counterparties.
NEXUS is also party to certain 15-year capacity agreements for the transportation of natural gas with Vector, an equity method investee of DTE Energy. Pursuant to the terms of those agreements, in October 2018, DTE Energy executed a guarantee agreement with Vector, with a maximum potential payment totaling $7 million at December 31, 2020, representing 50% of the first-year payment obligations due and payable by NEXUS. The guarantee terminates at the earlier of (i) such time as all of the guaranteed obligations have been fully performed or (ii) 15 years from the date DTE Energy entered into the guarantee.
Should NEXUS fail to perform under the terms of these agreements, DTE Energy is required to perform on its behalf. Payments under these guarantees are considered remote.
Other Guarantees
In certain limited circumstances, the Registrants enter into contractual guarantees. The Registrants may guarantee another entity’s obligation in the event it fails to perform and may provide guarantees in certain indemnification agreements. Finally, the Registrants may provide indirect guarantees for the indebtedness of others. DTE Energy’s guarantees are not individually material with maximum potential payments totaling $50 million at December 31, 2020. Payments under these guarantees are considered remote.
The Registrants are periodically required to obtain performance surety bonds in support of obligations to various governmental entities and other companies in connection with its operations. As of December 31, 2020, DTE Energy had $125 million of performance bonds outstanding, including $69 million for DTE Electric. In the event that such bonds are called for nonperformance, the Registrants would be obligated to reimburse the issuer of the performance bond. The Registrants are released from the performance bonds as the contractual performance is completed and does not believe that a material amount of any currently outstanding performance bonds will be called.
Vector Line of Credit
In July 2019, DTE Energy, as lender, entered into a revolving term credit facility with Vector, as borrower, in the amount of C$70 million. The credit facility was executed in response to the passage of Canadian regulations requiring oil and gas pipelines to demonstrate their financial ability to respond to a catastrophic event and exists for the sole purpose of satisfying these regulations. Vector may only draw upon the facility if the funds are required to respond to a catastrophic event. The maximum potential payment under the line of credit at December 31, 2020 is $55 million. The funding of a loan under the terms of the credit facility is considered remote.
Labor Contracts
There are several bargaining units for DTE Energy subsidiaries' approximate 5,200 represented employees, including DTE Electric's approximate 2,800 represented employees. The majority of the represented employees are under contracts that expire in 2021 and 2022.
Purchase Commitments
As of December 31, 2020, the Registrants were party to numerous long-term purchase commitments relating to a variety of goods and services required for their businesses. These agreements primarily consist of fuel supply commitments and renewable energy contracts for the Registrants, as well as energy trading contracts for DTE Energy. The Registrants estimate the following commitments from 2021 through 2051 for DTE Energy, and 2021 through 2051 for DTE Electric, as detailed in the following table:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
(In millions)
2021$2,998 $1,132 
20221,142 246 
2023804 226 
2024520 159 
2025397 209 
2026 and thereafter1,634 969 
$7,495 $2,941 
Utility capital expenditures, expenditures for non-utility businesses, and contributions to equity method investees will be approximately $4.2 billion and $3.0 billion in 2021 for DTE Energy and DTE Electric, respectively. The Registrants have made certain commitments in connection with the estimated 2021 annual capital expenditures and contributions to equity method investees.
Bankruptcies
DTE Energy's Power and Industrial Projects segment holds ownership interests in, and operates, five generating plants that sell electric output from renewable sources under long-term power purchase agreements with PG&E. PG&E filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on January 29, 2019. PG&E emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy effective July 1, 2020. DTE's renewable power purchase agreements were assumed under PG&E's Reorganization Plan and payment has been received for all past due receivables related to these agreements.
COVID-19 Pandemic
DTE Energy is actively monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains, markets, counterparties, and customers, and any related impacts on operating costs, customer demand, and recoverability of assets that could materially impact the Registrants' financial results.
Impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic for the year ended December 31, 2020 include a reduction in DTE Electric sales volumes from commercial and industrial customers and an increase in residential customer sales volumes. This shift contributed to a net reduction in DTE Electric sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2020, but the impact to earnings has been mitigated by favorable rate mix.
Operation and maintenance expense has also been impacted by COVID-19, primarily at DTE Electric, due to higher costs for personal protective equipment and other health and safety-related costs, including shift premiums and related expenses associated with the sequestration of certain employees critical to continued operations. The Registrants implemented certain cost savings initiatives to offset some of these impacts, to the extent they did not affect safety or reliability of service. Impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material effect on the Registrants' capital spending.
For non-utility businesses, COVID-19 has primarily impacted the Power and Industrial Projects segment, contributing to lower production in the REF business and lower demand in the Steel business. These impacts were most significant in March and April 2020 when government orders to cease non-essential business activity resulted in temporary shut-down of certain operations. While these impacts have adversely affected Operating revenues and Other income from REF entities, Net income has not been significantly impacted due to related decreases in Operating expenses.
Finally, as discussed in Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies", the allowance for doubtful accounts was increased at our utilities due to additional risk relating to COVID-19. However, the impact of these increases has not been material.
In consideration of the above factors and all other current and expected impacts to the Registrants' performance and cash flows resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been no material adjustments or reserves deemed necessary to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2020.
The Registrants cannot predict the future impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Consolidated Financial Statements, as developments involving COVID-19 and its related effects on economic and operating conditions remain highly uncertain.
Other Contingencies
The Registrants are involved in certain other legal, regulatory, administrative, and environmental proceedings before various courts, arbitration panels, and governmental agencies concerning claims arising in the ordinary course of business. These proceedings include certain contract disputes, additional environmental reviews and investigations, audits, inquiries from various regulators, and pending judicial matters. The Registrants cannot predict the final disposition of such proceedings. The Registrants regularly review legal matters and record provisions for claims that they can estimate and are considered probable of loss. The resolution of these pending proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on the Registrants' Consolidated Financial Statements in the periods they are resolved.
For a discussion of contingencies related to regulatory matters and derivatives, see Notes 10 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Regulatory Matters" and "Financial and Other Derivative Instruments," respectively.
v3.20.4
Nuclear Operations
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Nuclear Operations [Abstract]  
Nuclear Operations NUCLEAR OPERATIONS
Property Insurance
DTE Electric maintains property insurance policies specifically for the Fermi 2 plant. These policies cover such items as replacement power and property damage. NEIL is the primary supplier of the insurance policies.
DTE Electric maintains a policy for extra expenses, including replacement power costs necessitated by Fermi 2’s unavailability due to an insured event. This policy has a 12-week waiting period and provides an aggregate $490 million of coverage over a three-year period.
DTE Electric has $1.5 billion in primary coverage and $1.25 billion of excess coverage for stabilization, decontamination, debris removal, repair and/or replacement of property, and decommissioning. The combined coverage limit for total property damage is $2.75 billion. The total limit for property damage for non-nuclear events is $1.8 billion and an aggregate of $328 million of coverage for extra expenses over a two-year period.
On December 20, 2019, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019 was signed, extending TRIA through December 31, 2027. For multiple terrorism losses caused by acts of terrorism not covered under the TRIA occurring within one year after the first loss from terrorism, the NEIL policies would make available to all insured entities up to $3.2 billion, plus any amounts recovered from reinsurance, government indemnity, or other sources to cover losses.
Under NEIL policies, DTE Electric could be liable for maximum assessments of up to $43 million per event if the loss associated with any one event at any nuclear plant should exceed the accumulated funds available to NEIL.
Public Liability Insurance
As required by federal law, DTE Electric maintains $450 million of public liability insurance for a nuclear incident. For liabilities arising from a terrorist act outside the scope of TRIA, the policy is subject to one industry aggregate limit of $300 million. Further, under the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2005, deferred premium charges up to $138 million could be levied against each licensed nuclear facility, but not more than $20 million per year per facility. Thus, deferred premium charges could be levied against all owners of licensed nuclear facilities in the event of a nuclear incident at any of these facilities.
Nuclear Fuel Disposal Costs
In accordance with the Federal Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, DTE Electric has a contract with the DOE for the future storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel from Fermi 2 that required DTE Electric to pay the DOE a fee of 1 mill per kWh of Fermi 2 electricity generated and sold. The fee was a component of nuclear fuel expense. The 1 mill per kWh DOE fee was reduced to zero effective May 16, 2014.
The DOE's Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository program for the acceptance and disposal of spent nuclear fuel was terminated in 2011. DTE Electric is a party in the litigation against the DOE for both past and future costs associated with the DOE's failure to accept spent nuclear fuel under the timetable set forth in the Federal Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. In July 2012, DTE Electric executed a settlement agreement with the federal government for costs associated with the DOE's delay in acceptance of spent nuclear fuel from Fermi 2 for permanent storage. The settlement agreement, including extensions, provides for a claims process and payment of delay-related costs experienced by DTE Electric through 2019. DTE Electric's claims are being settled and paid on a timely basis. The settlement proceeds reduce the cost of the dry cask storage facility assets and provide reimbursement for related operating expenses.
DTE Electric currently employs a spent nuclear fuel storage strategy utilizing a fuel pool and a dry cask storage facility. The spent nuclear fuel storage strategy is expected to provide sufficient spent fuel storage capability for the life of the plant as defined by DTE Electric's operating license agreement.
The federal government continues to maintain its legal obligation to accept spent nuclear fuel from Fermi 2 for permanent storage. Issues relating to long-term waste disposal policy and to the disposition of funds contributed by DTE Electric ratepayers to the federal waste fund await future governmental action.
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND TRUSTEED ASSETS
DTE Energy's subsidiary, DTE Energy Corporate Services, LLC, sponsors defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans covering certain employees of the Registrants.
The table below represents the pension and other postretirement benefit plans of each Registrant at December 31, 2020:
Registrants
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Qualified Pension Plans
DTE Energy Company Retirement PlanXX
DTE Gas Company Retirement Plan for Employees Covered by Collective Bargaining AgreementsX
Shenango Inc. Pension Plan(a)
X
Non-qualified Pension Plans
DTE Energy Company Supplemental Retirement Plan(b)
XX
DTE Energy Company Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan(b)
XX
DTE Energy Company Supplemental Severance Benefit PlanX
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The DTE Energy Company Comprehensive Non-Health Welfare PlanXX
The DTE Energy Company Comprehensive Retiree Group Health Care PlanXX
DTE Supplemental Retiree Benefit PlanXX
DTE Energy Company Retiree Reimbursement Arrangement PlanXX
_____________________________________
(a)Sponsored by Shenango, LLC
(b)Sponsored by DTE Energy Company
DTE Electric participates in various plans that provide pension and other postretirement benefits for DTE Energy and its affiliates. The plans are sponsored by the LLC. DTE Electric accounts for its participation in DTE Energy's qualified and non-qualified pension plans by applying multiemployer accounting. DTE Electric accounts for its participation in other postretirement benefit plans by applying multiple-employer accounting. Within multiemployer and multiple-employer plans, participants pool plan assets for investment purposes and to reduce the cost of plan administration. The primary difference between plan types is assets contributed in multiemployer plans can be used to provide benefits for all participating employers, while assets contributed within a multiple-employer plan are restricted for use by the contributing employer. As a result of multiemployer accounting treatment, capitalized costs associated with these plans are reflected in Property, plant, and equipment in DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The same capitalized costs are reflected as Regulatory assets and liabilities in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. In addition, the service cost and non-service cost components are presented in Operation and maintenance in DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The same non-service cost components are presented in Other (Income) and Deductions — Non-operating retirement benefits, net in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations. Plan participants of all plans are solely DTE Energy and affiliate participants.
Pension Plan Benefits
DTE Energy has qualified defined benefit retirement plans for eligible represented and non-represented employees. The plans are noncontributory and provide traditional retirement benefits based on the employee's years of benefit service, average final compensation, and age at retirement. In addition, certain represented and non-represented employees are covered under cash balance provisions that determine benefits on annual employer contributions and interest credits. DTE Energy also maintains supplemental non-qualified, noncontributory, retirement benefit plans for certain management employees. These plans provide for benefits that supplement those provided by DTE Energy’s other retirement plans.
Net pension cost for DTE Energy includes the following components:
202020192018
(In millions)
Service cost$99 $84 $99 
Interest cost186 219 202 
Expected return on plan assets(334)(325)(329)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss171 131 176 
Prior service cost1 1 — 
Settlements25 2 — 
Net pension cost$148 $112 $148 
20202019
(In millions)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net actuarial loss$137 $156 
Amortization of net actuarial loss(193)(133)
Amortization of prior service cost(1)(1)
Total recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)$(57)$22 
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost, Regulatory assets, and Other comprehensive income (loss)$91 $134 
The following table reconciles the obligations, assets, and funded status of the plans as well as the amounts recognized as prepaid pension cost or pension liability in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31:
DTE Energy
20202019
(In millions)
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$5,843 $5,387 
Change in projected benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year$5,810 $5,124 
Service cost99 84 
Interest cost186 219 
Actuarial loss619 719 
Special termination benefits3 — 
Benefits paid(353)(336)
Settlements(60)— 
Projected benefit obligation, end of year$6,304 $5,810 
Change in plan assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$4,993 $4,273 
Actual return on plan assets815 888 
Company contributions102 168 
Benefits paid(353)(336)
Settlements(60)— 
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$5,497 $4,993 
Funded status$(807)$(817)
Amount recorded as:
Current liabilities$(10)$(9)
Noncurrent liabilities(797)(808)
$(807)$(817)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax
Net actuarial loss$142 $153 
Prior service cost3 4 
$145 $157 
Amounts recognized in Regulatory assets(a)
Net actuarial loss$1,949 $1,995 
Prior service credit(11)(12)
$1,938 $1,983 
______________________________________
(a)See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Regulatory Matters."
The increases in DTE Energy's pension benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were primarily due to actuarial loss in both periods, which was primarily driven by decreases in discount rates. The increase in the pension benefit obligation in 2020 was partially offset by a one-time settlement described below.
In December 2020, a DTE Energy non-regulated qualified pension plan used plan assets to purchase an annuity contract from a third-party insurance company. The annuity contract will be used to settle the benefit obligations for certain plan participants. The transaction resulted in a $60 million reduction to the plan's projected benefit obligation and plan assets, as well as a one-time settlement charge of $22 million. The settlement charge is a component of net pension cost and is included in Non-operating retirement benefits, net in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Registrants' policy is to fund pension costs by contributing amounts consistent with the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and additional amounts when it deems appropriate. The following table provides contributions to the qualified pension plans in:
202020192018
(In millions)
DTE Energy$92 $150 $175 
DTE Electric$60 $100 $175 
DTE Energy's contributions of $92 million in 2020 included $82 million of common stock and $10 million of cash. Details of the contribution of common stock to the DTE Energy Company Affiliates Employee Benefit Plans Master Trust are as follows:
DateNumber of SharesPrice per ShareAmount
(In millions)
September 8, 2020694,444$118.08$82 
The above contribution was made on behalf of DTE Electric and DTE Gas, for which DTE Electric and DTE Gas paid DTE Energy cash consideration of $60 million and $22 million, respectively, in September 2020. At the discretion of management and depending upon financial market conditions, DTE Energy anticipates making up to $107 million in contributions to the qualified pension plans in 2021, including up to $100 million of equity contributions to the qualified pension plans at DTE Electric.
DTE Energy's subsidiaries are responsible for their share of qualified and non-qualified pension benefit costs. DTE Electric's allocated portion of pension benefit costs included in capital expenditures and operating and maintenance expense were $106 million, $93 million, and $120 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. These amounts include recognized contractual termination benefit charges, curtailment gains, and settlement charges.
At December 31, 2020, the benefits related to DTE Energy's qualified and non-qualified pension plans expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter are as follows:
(In millions)
2021$352 
2022363 
2023368 
2024352 
2025360 
2026-20301,757 
Total$3,552 
Assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligation and net pension costs of DTE Energy are:
202020192018
Projected benefit obligation
Discount rate2.57%3.28%4.40%
Rate of compensation increase3.80%3.85%3.85%
Cash balance interest crediting rate2.00%3.30%3.70%
Net pension costs
Discount rate3.28%4.40%3.70%
Rate of compensation increase3.85%3.85%3.85%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets7.10%7.30%7.50%
Cash balance interest crediting rate3.30%3.70%3.70%
DTE Energy employs a formal process in determining the long-term rate of return for various asset classes. Management reviews historic financial market risks and returns and long-term historic relationships between the asset classes of equities, fixed income, and other assets, consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that asset classes with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long-term. Current market factors such as inflation, interest rates, asset class risks, and asset class returns are evaluated and considered before long-term capital market assumptions are determined. The long-term portfolio return is also established employing a consistent formal process, with due consideration of diversification, active investment management, and rebalancing. Peer data is reviewed to check for reasonableness. As a result of this process, the Registrants have long-term rate of return assumptions for the pension plans of 7.00% and other postretirement benefit plans of 6.70% for 2021. The Registrants believe these rates are a reasonable assumption for the long-term rate of return on plan assets for 2021 given the current investment strategy.
The DTE Energy Company Affiliates Employee Benefit Plans Master Trust employs a liability driven investment program whereby the characteristics of plan liabilities are considered when determining investment policy. Risk tolerance is established through consideration of future plan cash flows, plan funded status, and corporate financial considerations. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity, fixed income, and other investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks and large and small market capitalizations. Fixed income investments generally include U.S. Treasuries, other governmental debt, diversified corporate bonds, bank loans, and mortgage-backed securities. Other investments are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be utilized in a risk controlled manner, to potentially increase the portfolio beyond the market value of invested assets and/or reduce portfolio investment risk. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements, periodic asset/liability studies, and quarterly investment portfolio reviews.
Target allocations for DTE Energy's pension plan assets as of December 31, 2020 are listed below:
U.S. Large Capitalization (Cap) Equity Securities18 %
U.S. Small Cap and Mid Cap Equity Securities3 
Non-U.S. Equity Securities16 
Fixed Income Securities38 
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments14 
Private Equity and Other11 
100 %
The following tables provide the fair value measurement amounts for DTE Energy's pension plan assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019(a):
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Level 1Level 2
Other(b)
TotalLevel 1Level 2
Other(b)
Total
DTE Energy asset category:(In millions)
Short-term Investments(c)
$92 $— $— $92 $99 $— $— $99 
Equity Securities
Domestic(d)
167 — 1,093 1,260 172 — 870 1,042 
International(e)
100 — 791 891 387 — 322 709 
Fixed Income Securities
Governmental(f)
459 95 — 554 569 — — 569 
Corporate(g)
— 1,404 — 1,404 — 1,452 — 1,452 
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments(h)
238 61 411 710 169 — 502 671 
Private Equity and Other(i)
— — 586 586 — — 451 451 
DTE Energy Total$1,056 $1,560 $2,881 $5,497 $1,396 $1,452 $2,145 $4,993 
_______________________________________
(a)For a description of levels within the fair value hierarchy, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Fair Value."
(b)Amounts represent assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.
(c)This category predominantly represents certain short-term fixed income securities and money market investments that are managed in separate accounts or commingled funds. Pricing for investments in this category are obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets.
(d)This category represents portfolios of large, medium and small capitalization domestic equities. Investments in this category include exchange-traded securities for which unadjusted quoted prices can be obtained and exchange-traded securities held in a commingled fund classified as NAV assets.
(e)This category primarily consists of portfolios of non-U.S. developed and emerging market equities. Investments in this category include exchange-traded securities for which unadjusted quoted prices can be obtained and exchange-traded securities held in a commingled fund classified as NAV assets.
(f)This category includes U.S. Treasuries, bonds, and other governmental debt. Pricing for investments in this category is obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets and quotations from broker or pricing services.
(g)This category primarily consists of corporate bonds from diversified industries, bank loans, and mortgage backed securities. Pricing for investments in this category is obtained from quotations from broker or pricing services.
(h)This category utilizes a diversified group of strategies that attempt to capture financial market inefficiencies and includes publicly traded mutual funds, commingled funds and limited partnership funds. Pricing for mutual funds in this category is obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets. Commingled funds and limited partnership funds are classified as NAV assets.
(i)This category includes a diversified group of funds and strategies that primarily invests in private equity partnerships. This category also includes investments in real estate and private debt. All pricing for investments in this category are classified as NAV assets.
The pension trust holds debt and equity securities directly and indirectly through commingled funds. Exchange-traded debt and equity securities held directly are valued using quoted market prices in actively traded markets. The commingled funds hold exchange-traded equity or debt securities and are valued based on stated NAVs. Non-exchange traded fixed income securities are valued by the trustee 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 challenges an assigned price and determines that another price source is considered preferable. DTE Energy has obtained an understanding of how these prices are derived, including the nature and observability of the inputs used in deriving such prices.
Other Postretirement Benefits
The Registrants participate in defined benefit plans sponsored by the LLC that provide certain other postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for employees who are eligible for these benefits. The Registrants' policy is to fund certain trusts to meet its other postretirement benefit obligations. DTE Energy did not make any contributions to these trusts during 2020 and does not anticipate making any contributions to the trusts in 2021.
DTE Energy and DTE Electric offer a defined contribution VEBA for eligible represented and non-represented employees, in lieu of defined benefit post-employment health care benefits. The Registrants allocate a fixed amount per year to an account in a defined contribution VEBA for each employee. These accounts are managed either by the Registrant (for non-represented and certain represented groups) or by the Utility Workers of America for Local 223 employees. DTE Energy contributions to the VEBA for these accounts were $15 million in 2020, $13 million in 2019, and $11 million in 2018, including DTE Electric contributions of $7 million in 2020, and $6 million in 2019, and $5 million in 2018.
The Registrants also contribute a fixed amount to a Retiree Reimbursement Account, for certain non-represented and represented retirees, spouses, and surviving spouses when the youngest of the retiree's covered household becomes eligible for Medicare Part A based on age. The amount of the annual allocation to each participant is determined by the employee's retirement date and increases each year for each eligible participant at the lower of the rate of medical inflation or 2%.
Net other postretirement credit for DTE Energy includes the following components:
202020192018
(In millions)
Service cost$26 $22 $27 
Interest cost56 70 69 
Expected return on plan assets(128)(96)(143)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss16 12 11 
Prior service credit(19)(9)— 
Net other postretirement credit$(49)$(1)$(36)
20202019
(In millions)
Other changes in plan assets and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net actuarial (gain) loss$(38)$34 
Amortization of net actuarial loss(16)(12)
Prior service credit— (53)
Amortization of prior service credit19 9 
Total recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)$(35)$(22)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost, Regulatory assets, and Other comprehensive income (loss)$(84)$(23)
Net other postretirement credit for DTE Electric includes the following components:
202020192018
(In millions)
Service cost$20 $16 $20 
Interest cost43 53 53 
Expected return on plan assets(87)(65)(98)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss11 5 8 
Prior service credit(14)(7)— 
Net other postretirement cost (credit)$(27)$2 $(17)
20202019
(In millions)
Other changes in plan assets and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation recognized in Regulatory assets
Net actuarial (gain) loss$(26)$41 
Amortization of net actuarial loss(11)(5)
Prior service credit— (33)
Amortization of prior service credit14 7 
Total recognized in Regulatory assets$(23)$10 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and Regulatory assets$(50)$12 
The following table reconciles the obligations, assets, and funded status of the plans including amounts recorded as Accrued postretirement liability in the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, beginning of year$1,751 $1,645 $1,337 $1,247 
Service cost26 22 20 16 
Interest cost56 70 43 53 
Plan amendments— (53)— (33)
Actuarial loss54 153 31 118 
Benefits paid(80)(86)(62)(64)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, end of year$1,807 $1,751 $1,369 $1,337 
Change in plan assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$1,819 $1,689 $1,236 $1,158 
Actual return on plan assets220 215 145 141 
Benefits paid(79)(85)(61)(63)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$1,960 $1,819 $1,320 $1,236 
Funded status$153 $68 $(49)$(101)
Amount recorded as:(a)
Noncurrent assets$561 $454 $335 $266 
Current liabilities(1)(1)— — 
Noncurrent liabilities(407)(385)(384)(367)
$153 $68 $(49)$(101)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax
Net actuarial gain$(7)$(8)$— $— 
$(7)$(8)$— $— 
Amounts recognized in Regulatory assets(b)
Net actuarial loss$234 $289 $156 $193 
Prior service credit(69)(88)(48)(62)
$165 $201 $108 $131 
______________________________________
(a)Prior year balances for DTE Energy were recast to be consistent with the current year gross presentation of Noncurrent assets and Noncurrent liabilities.
(b)See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Regulatory Matters."
The increases in the Registrants' other postretirement benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were primarily due to actuarial loss in both periods, which was primarily driven by decreases in discount rates and partially offset by favorable changes in healthcare cost assumptions. The increase in the other postretirement benefit obligation in 2019 was also partially offset by plan amendments.
The following table reflects other postretirement benefit plans with accumulated postretirement benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation$878 $840 $826 $795 
Fair value of plan assets470 454 442 428 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of plan assets$408 $386 $384 $367 
At December 31, 2020, the benefits expected to be paid, including prescription drug benefits, in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter for the Registrants are as follows:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
(In millions)
2021$82 $62 
202287 66 
202391 69 
202492 70 
202595 72 
2026-2030497 376 
Total$944 $715 
Assumptions used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and net other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrants are:
202020192018
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
Discount rate2.58%3.29%4.40%
Health care trend rate pre- and post- 65
6.75 / 7.25%
6.75 / 7.25%
6.75 / 7.25%
Ultimate health care trend rate4.50%4.50%4.50%
Year in which ultimate reached pre- and post- 65203320322031
Other postretirement benefit costs
Discount rate3.29%4.40%3.70%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets7.20%7.30%7.75%
Health care trend rate pre- and post- 65
6.75 / 7.25%
6.75 / 7.25%
6.75 / 7.25%
Ultimate health care trend rate4.50%4.50%4.50%
Year in which ultimate reached pre- and post- 65203220312030
The process used in determining the long-term rate of return on assets for the other postretirement benefit plans is similar to that previously described for the pension plans.
The DTE Energy Company Master VEBA Trust employs a liability driven investment program whereby the characteristics of plan liabilities are considered when determining investment policy. Risk tolerance is established through consideration of future plan cash flows, plan funded status, and corporate financial considerations. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity, fixed income, and other investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks and large and small market capitalizations. Fixed income investments generally include U.S. Treasuries, other governmental debt, diversified corporate bonds, bank loans, and mortgage-backed securities. Other investments are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be utilized in a risk controlled manner to potentially increase the portfolio beyond the market value of invested assets and/or reduce portfolio investment risk. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements, periodic asset/liability studies, and quarterly investment portfolio reviews.
Target allocations for the Registrants' other postretirement benefit plan assets as of December 31, 2020 are listed below:
U.S. Large Cap Equity Securities11 %
U.S. Small Cap and Mid Cap Equity Securities2 
Non-U.S. Equity Securities10 
Fixed Income Securities52 
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments11 
Private Equity and Other14 
100 %
The following tables provide the fair value measurement amounts for the Registrants' other postretirement benefit plan assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019(a):
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Level 1Level 2
Other(b)
TotalLevel 1Level 2
Other(b)
Total
(In millions)
DTE Energy asset category:
Short-term Investments(c)
$21 $— $— $21 $80 $— $— $80 
Equity Securities
Domestic(d)
51 — 200 251 51 — 273 324 
International(e)
23 — 178 201 182 — 89 271 
Fixed Income Securities
Governmental(f)
40 45 — 85 74 — — 74 
Corporate(g)
— 477 379 856 — 256 251 507 
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments(h)
61 17 124 202 71 — 182 253 
Private Equity and Other(i)
— — 344 344 — — 310 310 
DTE Energy Total$196 $539 $1,225 $1,960 $458 $256 $1,105 $1,819 
DTE Electric asset category:
Short-term Investments(c)
$14 $— $— $14 $55 $— $— $55 
Equity Securities
Domestic(d)
33 — 131 164 34 — 185 219 
International(e)
16 — 117 133 124 — 60 184 
Fixed Income Securities
Governmental(f)
24 31 — 55 48 — — 48 
Corporate(g)
— 321 263 584 — 168 176 344 
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments(h)
41 11 83 135 49 — 123 172 
Private Equity and Other(i)
— — 235 235 — — 214 214 
DTE Electric Total$128 $363 $829 $1,320 $310 $168 $758 $1,236 
_______________________________________
(a)For a description of levels within the fair value hierarchy see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Fair Value."
(b)Amounts represent assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.
(c)This category predominantly represents certain short-term fixed income securities and money market investments that are managed in separate accounts or commingled funds. Pricing for investments in this category are obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets.
(d)This category represents portfolios of large, medium and small capitalization domestic equities. Investments in this category include exchange-traded securities for which unadjusted quoted prices can be obtained and exchange-traded securities held in a commingled fund classified as NAV assets.
(e)This category primarily consists of portfolios of non-U.S. developed and emerging market equities. Investments in this category include exchange-traded securities for which unadjusted quoted prices can be obtained and exchange-traded securities held in a commingled fund classified as NAV assets.
(f)This category includes U.S. Treasuries, bonds and other governmental debt. Pricing for investments in this category is obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets and quotations from broker or pricing services.
(g)This category primarily consists of corporate bonds from diversified industries, bank loans, and mortgage backed securities. Pricing for investments in this category is obtained from quotations from broker or pricing services. Non-exchange traded securities and exchange-traded securities held in commingled funds are classified as NAV assets.
(h)This category utilizes a diversified group of strategies that attempt to capture financial market inefficiencies and includes publicly traded mutual funds, commingled funds and limited partnership funds. Pricing for mutual funds in this category is obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets. Commingled funds and limited partnership funds are classified as NAV assets.
(i)This category includes a diversified group of funds and strategies that primarily invests in private equity partnerships. This category also includes investments in real estate and private debt. All investments in this category are classified as NAV assets.
The DTE Energy Company Master VEBA Trust holds debt and equity securities directly and indirectly through commingled funds. Exchange-traded debt and equity securities held directly are valued using quoted market prices in actively traded markets. The commingled funds hold exchange-traded equity or debt securities and are valued based on NAVs. Non-exchange traded fixed income securities are valued by the trustee 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 challenges an assigned price and determines that another price source is considered 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.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Registrants also sponsor defined contribution retirement savings plans. Participation in one of these plans is available to substantially all represented and non-represented employees. For substantially all employees, the Registrants match employee contributions up to certain predefined limits based upon eligible compensation and the employee’s contribution rate. Additionally, for eligible represented and non-represented employees who do not participate in the Pension Plans, the Registrants annually contribute an amount equivalent to 4% (8% for certain DTE Gas represented employees) of an employee's eligible pay to the employee's defined contribution retirement savings plan. For DTE Energy, the cost of these plans was $73 million, $65 million, and $61 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. For DTE Electric, the cost of these plans was $34 million, $31 million, and $29 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]  
Stock-Based Compensation STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
DTE Energy’s stock incentive program permits the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualifying stock options, stock awards, performance shares, and performance units to employees and members of its Board of Directors. As a result of a stock award, a settlement of an award of performance shares, or by exercise of a participant’s stock option, DTE Energy may deliver common stock from its authorized but unissued common stock and/or from outstanding common stock acquired by or on behalf of DTE Energy in the name of the participant. Key provisions of the stock incentive program are:
•Authorized limit is 16,500,000 shares of common stock;
•Prohibits the grant of a stock option with an exercise price that is less than the fair market value of DTE Energy’s stock on the date of the grant; and
•Imposes the following award limits to a single participant in a single calendar year, (1) options for more than 500,000 shares of common stock; (2) stock awards for more than 150,000 shares of common stock; (3) performance share awards for more than 300,000 shares of common stock (based on the maximum payout under the award); or (4) more than 1,000,000 performance units, which have a face amount of $1.00 each.
DTE Energy records compensation expense at fair value over the vesting period for all awards it grants.
The following table summarizes the components of stock-based compensation for DTE Energy:
202020192018
(In millions)
Stock-based compensation expense$63 $71 $64 
Tax benefit$12 $13 $13 
Stock-based compensation cost capitalized in Property, plant, and equipment(a)
$— $16 $11 
_______________________________________
(a)In DTE Electric's May 2020 rate order, the MPSC disallowed certain capital expenditures related to incentive compensation. Therefore, beginning in 2020, no stock-based compensation cost will be capitalized in Property, plant, and equipment. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Regulatory Matters," for further information.
Restricted Stock Awards
Stock awards granted under the plan are restricted for varying periods, generally for three years. Participants have all rights of a shareholder with respect to a stock award, including the right to receive dividends and vote the shares. Prior to vesting in stock awards, the participant: (i) may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, or otherwise dispose of shares; (ii) shall not retain custody of the share certificates; and (iii) will deliver to DTE Energy a stock power with respect to each stock award upon request.
The stock awards are recorded at cost that approximates fair value on the date of grant. The cost is amortized to compensation expense over the vesting period.
The fair value of awards vested were not material for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018. Compensation cost charged against income was $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Performance Share Awards
Performance shares awarded under the plan are for a specified number of shares of DTE Energy common stock that entitle the holder to receive a cash payment, shares of DTE Energy common stock, or a combination thereof. The final value of the award is determined by the achievement of certain performance objectives and market conditions. The awards vest at the end of a specified period, usually three years. Awards granted in 2020, 2019, and 2018 were primarily deemed to be equity awards. The DTE Energy stock price and number of probable shares attributable to market conditions for such equity awards are fair valued only at the grant date. DTE Energy accounts for performance share awards by accruing compensation expense over the vesting period based on: (i) the number of shares expected to be paid which is based on the probable achievement of performance objectives; and (ii) the closing stock price market value. The settlement of the award is based on the closing price at the settlement date.
DTE Energy recorded activity relating to performance share awards as follows:
202020192018
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted (per share)$129.68 $115.85 $105.64 
Awards settled in cash(a)
$21 $19 $13 
Awards settled in stock(a)
$53 $79 $39 
Compensation expense$50 $60 $53 
_______________________________________
(a)Sum of awards settled in cash and stock approximates the intrinsic value of the awards.
During the vesting period, the recipient of a performance share award has no shareholder rights. During the period beginning on the date the performance shares are awarded and ending on the certification date of the performance objectives, the number of performance shares awarded will be increased, assuming full dividend reinvestment at the fair market value on the dividend payment date. The cumulative number of performance shares will be adjusted to determine the final payment based on the performance objectives achieved. Performance share awards are nontransferable and are subject to risk of forfeiture.
The following table summarizes DTE Energy’s performance share activity for the period ended December 31, 2020:
Performance SharesWeighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Balance at December 31, 20191,226,031 $107.35 
Grants383,813 $129.68 
Forfeitures(43,768)$116.94 
Payouts(438,639)$99.22 
Balance at December 31, 20201,127,437 $117.06 
Unrecognized Compensation Costs
As of December 31, 2020, DTE Energy's total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock incentive plan arrangements and the weighted average recognition period was as follows:
Unrecognized
Compensation
Cost		Weighted Average
to be Recognized
(In millions)(In years)
Stock awards$19 1.60
Performance shares49 1.04
$68 1.19
Allocated Stock-Based Compensation
DTE Electric received an allocation of costs from DTE Energy associated with stock-based compensation. DTE Electric's allocation for 2020, 2019, and 2018 for stock-based compensation expense was $37 million, $43 million, and $38 million, respectively.
v3.20.4
Segment and Related Information
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment and Related Information SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
DTE Energy sets strategic goals, allocates resources, and evaluates performance based on the following structure:
Electric segment consists principally of DTE Electric, which is engaged in the generation, purchase, distribution, and sale of electricity to approximately 2.2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southeastern Michigan.
Gas segment consists principally of DTE Gas, which is engaged in the purchase, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of natural gas to approximately 1.3 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout Michigan and the sale of storage and transportation capacity.
Gas Storage and Pipelines is primarily engaged in services related to the gathering, transportation, and storage of natural gas.
Power and Industrial Projects is comprised primarily of projects that deliver energy and utility-type products and services to industrial, commercial, and institutional customers, produce reduced emissions fuel, and sell electricity and pipeline-quality gas from renewable energy projects.
Energy Trading consists of energy marketing and trading operations.
Corporate and Other includes various holding company activities, holds certain non-utility debt, and holds certain investments, including funds supporting regional development and economic growth.
The federal income tax provisions or benefits of DTE Energy’s subsidiaries are determined on an individual company basis and recognize the tax benefit of tax credits and net operating losses, if applicable. The state and local income tax provisions of the utility subsidiaries are also determined on an individual company basis and recognize the tax benefit of various tax credits and net operating losses, if applicable. The subsidiaries record federal, state, and local income taxes payable to or receivable from DTE Energy based on the federal, state, and local tax provisions of each company.
Inter-segment billing for goods and services exchanged between segments is based upon tariffed or market-based prices of the provider and primarily consists of the sale of reduced emissions fuel, power sales, and natural gas sales in the following segments:
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Electric(a)
$61 $56 $52 
Gas16 12 12 
Gas Storage and Pipelines26 27 36 
Power and Industrial Projects464 596 642 
Energy Trading31 22 27 
Corporate and Other2 2 2 
$600 $715 $771 
_______________________________________
(a)Inter-segment billing for the Electric segment includes $2 million relating to Non-utility operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Financial data of DTE Energy's business segments follows:
ElectricGasGas Storage and PipelinesPower and Industrial ProjectsEnergy TradingCorporate and OtherReclassifications
and
Eliminations		Total
(In millions)
2020
Operating Revenues — Utility operations$5,506 1,414 — — — — (75)$6,845 
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations$14 — 754 1,224 3,863 2 (525)$5,332 
Depreciation and amortization$1,057 157 151 72 5 1 — $1,443 
Interest expense$337 80 113 37 6 331 (184)$720 
Interest income$(4)(5)(9)(22)(2)(180)184 $(38)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees$— 1 106 17 — 8 — $132 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)$108 48 116 (40)12 (77)— $167 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company$777 186 315 134 36 (80)— $1,368 
Investment in equity method investees$6 12 1,691 125 — 34 — $1,868 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions$2,701 574 517 186 5 — — $3,983 
Goodwill$1,208 743 472 26 17 — — $2,466 
Total Assets$26,588 6,339 5,068 696 807 8,071 (2,073)$45,496 
ElectricGasGas Storage and PipelinesPower and Industrial ProjectsEnergy TradingCorporate and OtherReclassifications
and
Eliminations		Total
(In millions)
2019
Operating Revenues — Utility operations$5,224 1,482 — — — — (68)$6,638 
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations$5 — 501 1,560 4,610 2 (647)$6,031 
Depreciation and amortization$949 144 94 69 6 1 — $1,263 
Interest expense$315 78 73 33 8 266 (132)$641 
Interest income$(2)(6)(8)(9)(4)(120)132 $(17)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees$1 2 97 14 — (3)— $111 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)$137 62 74 (63)17 (75)— $152 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company$714 185 204 133 49 (116)— $1,169 
Investment in equity method investees$5 11 1,685 130 — 31 — $1,862 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions$2,368 530 2,510 54 5 — — $5,467 
Goodwill$1,208 743 470 26 17 — — $2,464 
Total Assets$24,617 5,717 4,832 537 798 7,610 (1,843)$42,268 
ElectricGasGas Storage and PipelinesPower and Industrial ProjectsEnergy TradingCorporate and OtherReclassifications
and
Eliminations		Total
(In millions)
2018
Operating Revenues — Utility operations$5,298 1,436 — — — — (64)$6,670 
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations$— — 485 2,204 5,557 3 (707)$7,542 
Depreciation and amortization$836 133 82 67 5 1 — $1,124 
Interest expense$283 70 68 31 6 220 (119)$559 
Interest income$— (6)(9)(9)(3)(104)119 $(12)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees$— 2 123 3 — 4 — $132 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)$193 67 68 (195)13 (48)— $98 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company$664 150 235 161 39 (129)— $1,120 
Investment in equity method investees$7 12 1,585 134 — 33 — $1,771 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions$1,979 460 176 91 5 2 — $2,713 
Goodwill$1,208 743 299 26 17 — — $2,293 
Total Assets$22,501 5,378 3,161 495 909 6,153 (2,309)$36,288 
v3.20.4
Related Party Transactions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
DTE Energy enters into related party transactions with certain equity method investees, primarily NEXUS.
DTE Gas is party to a 15-year capacity lease agreement with NEXUS for the transportation of natural gas. Under the lease agreement, DTE Gas provides firm pipeline capacity in the DTE Gas system in order for NEXUS to provide service to its customers from an interconnect between NEXUS and DTE Gas. DTE Gas charges NEXUS a fixed daily pipeline reservation charge for this capacity.
DTE Electric and DTE Gas are also party to respective 20-year and 15-year service agreements with NEXUS for the transportation of natural gas. Under the service agreements, NEXUS provides firm pipeline capacity to transport natural gas to DTE Electric and to service DTE Gas customers. DTE Electric and DTE Gas incur a firm daily pipeline reservation charge, which is recovered through the respective PSCR and GCR mechanisms.
DTE Energy Trading also enters into related party transactions with NEXUS for the transportation of natural gas.
The following table summarizes the amounts resulting from these transactions included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31:
202020192018
(In millions)
Operating Revenues — Utility operations
DTE Gas$32 $32 $6 
Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility
DTE Electric$8 $8 $1 
DTE Gas$21 $22 $1 
Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility
DTE Energy Trading$27 $13 $1 
Other related party transactions with equity method investees include transactions with Vector Pipeline and Millennium Pipeline. Refer to Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Leases," for lease activity related to Vector Pipeline. Other transactions relating to Vector Pipeline and Millennium Pipeline were not material for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.
DTE Electric has agreements with affiliated companies to sell energy for resale, purchase fuel and power, provide fuel supply services, and provide power plant operation and maintenance services. DTE Electric has agreements with certain DTE Energy affiliates where it charges the affiliates for their use of the shared capital assets of DTE Electric. A shared services company accumulates various corporate support expenses and charges various subsidiaries of DTE Energy, including DTE Electric. DTE Electric records federal, state, and local income taxes payable to or receivable from DTE Energy based on its federal, state, and local tax provisions.
The following is a summary of DTE Electric's transactions with affiliated companies:
202020192018
(In millions)
Revenues and Other Income
Energy sales$8 $10 $9 
Other services$2 $5 $4 
Shared capital assets$51 $47 $43 
Costs
Fuel and purchased power$16 $9 $7 
Other services and interest$1 $23 $33 
Corporate expenses$367 $372 $377 
Other
Dividends declared$539 $494 $461 
Dividends paid$539 $494 $461 
Capital contribution from DTE Energy$636 $180 $325 
DTE Electric's Accounts receivable and Accounts payable related to Affiliates are payable upon demand and are generally settled in cash within a monthly business cycle. Notes receivable and Short-term borrowings related to Affiliates are subject to a credit agreement with DTE Energy whereby short-term excess cash or cash shortfalls are remitted to or funded by DTE Energy. This credit arrangement involves the charge and payment of interest at market-based rates. Refer to DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for affiliate balances at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
There were $20 million in charitable contributions made by DTE Electric to the DTE Energy Foundation for the year ended December 31, 2020 and no contributions for the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018. The DTE Energy Foundation is a non-consolidated not-for-profit private foundation, the purpose of which is to contribute and assist charitable organizations.
See the following notes for other related party transactions impacting DTE Electric’s Consolidated Financial Statements:
NoteTitle
1Organization and Basis of Presentation
21Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets
22Stock-Based Compensation
v3.20.4
Supplementary Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Supplementary Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) SUPPLEMENTARY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
DTE Energy
The sum of quarterly earnings per share may not equal year-end amounts, since quarterly computations are based on weighted average common shares outstanding during each quarter.
First
Quarter		Second
Quarter		Third
Quarter		Fourth
Quarter		Year
(In millions, except per share amounts)
2020
Operating Revenues$3,022 $2,583 $3,284 $3,288 $12,177 
Operating Income$546 $367 $608 $465 $1,986 
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company$340 $277 $476 $275 $1,368 
Basic Earnings per Share$1.77 $1.44 $2.47 $1.42 $7.09 
Diluted Earnings per Share$1.76 $1.44 $2.46 $1.42 $7.08 
2019
Operating Revenues$3,514 $2,888 $3,119 $3,148 $12,669 
Operating Income$542 $300 $450 $415 $1,707 
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company$401 $182 $319 $267 $1,169 
Basic Earnings per Share$2.20 $0.99 $1.74 $1.40 $6.32 
Diluted Earnings per Share$2.19 $0.99 $1.73 $1.40 $6.31 
DTE Electric
First
Quarter		Second
Quarter		Third
Quarter		Fourth
Quarter		Year
(In millions)
2020
Operating Revenues$1,212 $1,309 $1,690 $1,295 $5,506 
Operating Income$214 $263 $541 $206 $1,224 
Net Income$94 $183 $400 $101 $778 
2019
Operating Revenues$1,235 $1,190 $1,519 $1,280 $5,224 
Operating Income$226 $223 $440 $224 $1,113 
Net Income$147 $133 $307 $129 $716 
v3.20.4
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
DTE Energy Company
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Year Ending December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (shown as deduction from Accounts receivable in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position)
Balance at Beginning of Period$91 $91 $49 
Additions:
Charged to costs and expenses103 111 140 
Charged to other accounts(a)
50 56 55 
Deductions(b)
(140)(167)(153)
Balance at End of Period$104 $91 $91 
_______________________________________
(a)Collection of accounts previously written off.
(b)Uncollectible accounts written off.

DTE Electric Company
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Year Ending December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (shown as deduction from Accounts receivable in DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position)
Balance at Beginning of Period$46 $53 $31 
Additions:
Charged to costs and expenses61 65 85 
Charged to other accounts(a)
30 36 36 
Deductions(b)
(80)(108)(99)
Balance at End of Period$57 $46 $53 
_______________________________________
(a)Collection of accounts previously written off.
(b)Uncollectible accounts written off.
v3.20.4
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrants are prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These accounting principles require management to use estimates and assumptions that impact reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from the Registrants' estimates.
The information in these combined notes relates to each of the Registrants as noted in the Index of Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. However, DTE Electric does not make any representation as to information related solely to DTE Energy or the subsidiaries of DTE Energy other than itself.
Reclassification Certain prior year balances for the Registrants were reclassified to match the current year's Consolidated Financial Statements presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
The Registrants consolidate all majority-owned subsidiaries and investments in entities in which they have controlling influence. Non-majority owned investments are accounted for using the equity method when the Registrants are able to significantly influence the operating policies of the investee. When the Registrants do not influence the operating policies of an investee, the equity investment is valued at cost minus any impairments, if applicable. These Consolidated Financial Statements also reflect the Registrants' proportionate interests in certain jointly-owned utility plants. The Registrants eliminate all intercompany balances and transactions.
The Registrants evaluate whether an entity is a VIE whenever reconsideration events occur. The Registrants consolidate VIEs for which they are the primary beneficiary. If a Registrant is not the primary beneficiary and an ownership interest is held, the VIE is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. When assessing the determination of the primary beneficiary, a Registrant considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including: the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and the obligation to absorb the expected losses and/or the right to receive the expected returns of the VIE. The Registrants perform ongoing reassessments of all VIEs to determine if the primary beneficiary status has changed.
Legal entities within DTE Energy's Power and Industrial Projects segment enter into long-term contractual arrangements with customers to supply energy-related products or services. The entities are generally designed to pass-through the commodity risk associated with these contracts to the customers, with DTE Energy retaining operational and customer default risk. These entities generally are VIEs and consolidated when DTE Energy is the primary beneficiary. In addition, DTE Energy has interests in certain VIEs through which control of all significant activities is shared with partners, and therefore are generally accounted for under the equity method.
DTE Energy currently owns an 85% interest in SGG, which owns and operates midstream natural gas assets. SGG has contracts through which certain construction risk was designed to pass-through to the customers, with DTE Energy retaining operational and customer default risk. SGG is a VIE with DTE Energy as the primary beneficiary.
The Registrants have variable interests in NEXUS, which include DTE Energy's 50% ownership interest and DTE Electric's transportation services contract. NEXUS is a joint venture which owns a 256-mile pipeline to transport Utica and Marcellus shale gas to Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario market centers. NEXUS also owns Generation Pipeline, LLC, a 25-mile regulated pipeline system located in northern Ohio, which was acquired in September 2019. NEXUS is a VIE as it has insufficient equity at risk to finance its activities. The Registrants are not the primary beneficiaries, as the power to direct significant activities is shared between the owners of the equity interests. DTE Energy accounts for its ownership interest in NEXUS under the equity method.
The Registrants hold ownership interests in certain limited partnerships. The limited partnerships include investment funds which support regional development and economic growth, and an operational business providing energy-related products. These entities are generally VIEs as a result of certain characteristics of the limited partnership voting rights. The ownership interests are accounted for under the equity method as the Registrants are not the primary beneficiaries.
DTE Energy has variable interests in VIEs through certain of its long-term purchase and sale contracts. DTE Electric has variable interests in VIEs through certain of its long-term purchase contracts, including the transportation services contract with NEXUS. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position that relate to its variable interests under long-term purchase and sale contracts are predominantly related to working capital accounts and generally represent the amounts owed by or to DTE Energy for the deliveries associated with the current billing cycle under the contracts. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position that relate to its variable interests under long-term purchase contracts are predominantly related to working capital accounts and generally represent the amounts owed by DTE Electric for the deliveries associated with the current billing cycle under the contracts. The Registrants have not provided any significant form of financial support associated with these long-term contracts. There is no material potential exposure to loss as a result of DTE Energy's variable interests through these long-term purchase and sale contracts. In addition, there is no material potential exposure to loss as a result of DTE Electric's variable interests through these long-term purchase contracts.
The maximum risk exposure for consolidated VIEs is reflected on the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and for DTE Energy, in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Commitments and Contingencies," related to the REF guarantees and indemnities. For non-consolidated VIEs, the maximum risk exposure of the Registrants is generally limited to their investment, notes receivable, future funding commitments, and amounts which DTE Energy has guaranteed. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Commitments and Contingencies," for further discussion of the NEXUS guarantee arrangements.
Other Income
Other Income
Other income for the Registrants is recognized for non-operating income such as equity earnings of equity method investees, allowance for equity funds used during construction, contract services, and gains from trading securities, primarily from those held in DTE Energy's rabbi trust. DTE Energy's Power and Industrial Projects segment also recognizes Other income in connection with the sale of membership interests in reduced emissions fuel facilities to investors. In exchange for the cash received, the investors receive a portion of the economic attributes of the facilities, including income tax attributes. The transactions are not treated as a sale of membership interests for financial reporting purposes. Other income related to fixed non-refundable cash payments received from investors for which the earnings process is not contingent upon production of refined coal is recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable contract term as the economic benefit from the ownership of the facility is transferred to investors. Other income related to cash payments that is contingent upon production of refined coal is considered earned and recognized when the contingency regarding the timing and amount of payment is resolved, generally as refined coal is produced and tax credits are generated.
Accounting for ISO Transactions
Accounting for ISO Transactions
DTE Electric participates in the energy market through MISO. MISO requires that DTE Electric submit hourly day-ahead, real-time, and FTR bids and offers for energy at locations across the MISO region. DTE Electric accounts for MISO transactions on a net hourly basis in each of the day-ahead, real-time, and FTR markets. In any single hour, transactions in each of the MISO energy markets are netted based on MWh to determine if DTE Electric is in a net sale or purchase position. Net purchases are recorded in Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility and net sales are recorded in Operating Revenues — Utility operations on the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Energy Trading segment participates in the energy markets through various ISOs and RTOs. These markets require that Energy Trading submits hourly day-ahead, real-time bids and offers for energy at locations across each region. Energy Trading submits bids in the annual and monthly auction revenue rights and FTR auctions to the RTOs. Energy Trading accounts for these transactions on a net hourly basis for the day-ahead, real-time, and FTR markets. These transactions are related to trading contracts which, if derivatives, are presented on a net basis in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations, and if non-derivatives, the realized gains and losses for sales are recorded in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations and purchases are recorded in Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility in the DTE Energy Consolidated Statements of Operations.
DTE Electric and Energy Trading record accruals for future net purchases adjustments based on historical experience and reconcile accruals to actual costs when invoices are received from MISO and other ISOs and RTOs.
Derivatives DerivativesEnergy Trading classifies derivative transactions as revenue or expense based on the intent of the transaction (buy or sell). Revenues are recorded on a gross or net basis within the income statement depending upon whether it represents a non-trading activity or trading activity, respectively.
The Registrants recognize all derivatives at their fair value as Derivative assets or liabilities on their respective Consolidated Statements of Financial Position unless they qualify for certain scope exceptions, including the normal purchases and normal sales exception. Further, derivatives that qualify and are designated for hedge accounting are classified as either hedges of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge); or as hedges of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge). For cash flow hedges, the derivative gain or loss is deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and later reclassified into earnings when the underlying transaction occurs. For fair value hedges, changes in fair values for the derivative and hedged item are recognized in earnings each period. For derivatives that do not qualify or are not designated for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings each period.
The Registrants' primary market risk exposure is associated with commodity prices, credit, and interest rates. The Registrants have risk management policies to monitor and manage market risks. The Registrants use derivative instruments to manage some of the exposure. DTE Energy uses derivative instruments for trading purposes in its Energy Trading segment. Contracts classified as derivative instruments include electricity, natural gas, oil, certain environmental contracts, forwards, futures, options, swaps, and foreign currency exchange contracts. Items not classified as derivatives include natural gas and environmental inventory, pipeline transportation contracts, some environmental contracts, and natural gas storage assets.
DTE Electric — DTE Electric generates, purchases, distributes, and sells electricity. DTE Electric uses forward contracts to manage changes in the price of electricity and fuel. Substantially all of these contracts meet the normal purchases and normal sales exception and are therefore accounted for under the accrual method. Other derivative contracts are MTM and recoverable through the PSCR mechanism when settled. This results in the deferral of unrealized gains and losses as Regulatory assets or liabilities until realized.
DTE Gas — DTE Gas purchases, stores, transports, distributes, and sells natural gas, and buys and sells transportation and storage capacity. DTE Gas has fixed-priced contracts for portions of its expected natural gas supply requirements through March 2023. Substantially all of these contracts meet the normal purchases and normal sales exception and are therefore accounted for under the accrual method. Forward transportation and storage contracts are generally not derivatives and are therefore accounted for under the accrual method.
Gas Storage and Pipelines — This segment is primarily engaged in services related to the gathering, transportation, and storage of natural gas. Primarily fixed-priced contracts are used in the marketing and management of transportation and storage services. Generally, these contracts are not derivatives and are therefore accounted for under the accrual method.
Power and Industrial Projects — This segment manages and operates energy and pulverized coal projects, a coke battery, reduced emissions fuel projects, renewable gas recovery, and power generation assets. Primarily fixed-price contracts are used in the marketing and management of the segment assets. These contracts are generally not derivatives and are therefore accounted for under the accrual method.
Energy Trading — Commodity Price Risk — Energy Trading markets and trades electricity, natural gas physical products, and energy financial instruments, and provides energy and asset management services utilizing energy commodity derivative instruments. Forwards, futures, options, and swap agreements are used to manage exposure to the risk of market price and volume fluctuations in its operations. These derivatives are accounted for by recording changes in fair value to earnings unless hedge accounting criteria are met.
Energy Trading — Foreign Currency Exchange Risk — Energy Trading has foreign currency exchange forward contracts to economically hedge fixed Canadian dollar commitments existing under natural gas and power purchase and sale contracts and natural gas transportation contracts. Energy Trading enters into these contracts to mitigate price volatility with respect to fluctuations of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. These derivatives are accounted for by recording changes in fair value to earnings unless hedge accounting criteria are met.
Corporate and Other — Interest Rate Risk — DTE Energy may use interest rate swaps, treasury locks, and other derivatives to hedge the risk associated with interest rate market volatility.
Credit Risk — DTE Energy maintains credit policies that significantly minimize overall credit risk. These policies include an evaluation of potential customers’ and counterparties’ financial condition, including the viability of underlying productive assets, credit rating, collateral requirements, or other credit enhancements such as letters of credit or guarantees. DTE Energy generally uses standardized agreements that allow the netting of positive and negative transactions associated with a single counterparty. DTE Energy maintains a provision for credit losses based on factors surrounding the credit risk of its customers, historical trends, and other information. Based on DTE Energy's credit policies and its December 31, 2020 provision for credit losses, DTE Energy’s exposure to counterparty nonperformance is not expected to have a material adverse effect on DTE Energy's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in common shareholders’ equity during a period from transactions and events from non-owner sources, including Net Income. The amounts recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for DTE Energy include changes in benefit obligations, consisting of deferred actuarial losses and prior service costs, unrealized gains and losses from derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, and foreign currency translation adjustments. DTE Energy releases income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income when the circumstances upon which they are premised cease to exist.
Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash in banks, and temporary investments purchased with remaining maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash consists of funds held in separate bank accounts to satisfy contractual obligations and guarantee performance. Restricted cash designated for payments within one year is classified as a Current Asset.
Financing Receivables
Financing Receivables
Financing receivables are primarily composed of trade receivables, notes receivable, and unbilled revenue. The Registrant's financing receivables are stated at net realizable value.
DTE Energy unbilled revenues of $944 million and $855 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, include $260 million and $263 million of DTE Electric unbilled revenues, respectively, included in Customer Accounts receivable.
The Registrants monitor the credit quality of their financing receivables on a regular basis by reviewing credit quality indicators and monitoring for trigger events, such as a credit rating downgrade or bankruptcy. Credit quality indicators include, but are not limited to, ratings by credit agencies where available, collection history, collateral, counterparty financial statements and other internal metrics. Utilizing such data, the Registrants have determined three internal grades of credit quality. Internal grade 1 includes financing receivables for counterparties where credit rating agencies have ranked the counterparty as investment grade. To the extent credit ratings are not available, the Registrants utilize other credit quality indicators to determine the level of risk associated with the financing receivable. Internal grade 1 may include financing receivables for counterparties for which credit rating agencies have ranked the counterparty as below investment grade, however, due to favorable information on other credit quality indicators, the Registrants have determined the risk level to be similar to that of an investment grade counterparty. Internal grade 2 includes financing receivables for counterparties with limited credit information and those with a higher risk profile based upon credit quality indicators. Internal grade 3 reflects financing receivables for which the counterparties have the greatest level of risk, including those in bankruptcy status.
The following represents the Registrants' financing receivables by year of origination, classified by internal grade of credit risk. The related credit quality indicators and risk ratings utilized to develop the internal grades have been updated through December 31, 2020.
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Year of origination
202020192018 and priorTotal2020 and prior
(In millions)
Notes receivable
Internal grade 1$— $14 $10 $24 $14 
Internal grade 268 43 6 117 2 
Total notes receivable(a)
$68 $57 $16 $141 $16 
Net investment in leases
Net investment in leases, internal grade 1$6 $— $39 $45 $— 
Net investment in leases, internal grade 2131 — 1 132 — 
Total net investment in leases(a)
$137 $— $40 $177 $— 
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(a)For DTE Energy, included in Current Assets — Other and Other Assets — Notes Receivable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. For DTE Electric, included in Current Assets — Other and Other Assets — Other on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable for the utility entities is generally calculated using an aging approach that utilizes rates developed in reserve studies. DTE Electric and DTE Gas establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts based on historical losses and management's assessment of existing and future economic conditions, customer trends and other factors. Customer accounts are generally considered delinquent if the amount billed is not received by the due date, which is typically in 21 days, however, factors such as assistance programs may delay aggressive action. DTE Electric and DTE Gas generally assess late payment fees on trade receivables based on past-due terms with customers. Customer accounts are written off when collection efforts have been exhausted. The time period for write-off is 150 days after service has been terminated.
The customer allowance for doubtful accounts for non-utility businesses and other receivables for both utility and non-utility businesses is generally calculated based on specific review of probable future collections based on receivable balances generally in excess of 30 days. Existing and future economic conditions, customer trends and other factors are also considered. Receivables are written off on a specific identification basis and determined based upon the specific circumstances of the associated receivable.
Notes receivable for DTE Energy are primarily comprised of finance lease receivables and loans that are included in Notes Receivable and Other current assets on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Notes receivable for DTE Electric are primarily comprised of loans.
Notes receivable are typically considered delinquent when payment is not received for periods ranging from 60 to 120 days. The Registrants cease accruing interest (nonaccrual status), consider a note receivable impaired, and establish an allowance for credit loss when it is probable that all principal and interest amounts due will not be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the note receivable. In determining the allowance for credit losses for notes receivable, the Registrants consider the historical payment experience and other factors that are expected to have a specific impact on the counterparty's ability to pay including existing and future economic conditions.
DTE Energy has off balance sheet exposure in the form of a revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 19, "Commitments and Contingencies," for additional information. In determining the level of credit reserve needed, DTE considers the likelihood of funding in addition to the other factors noted above. A reserve may be established when it is likely that funding will occur. Cash payments received on nonaccrual status notes receivable, that do not bring the account contractually current, are first applied to the contractually owed past due interest, with any remainder applied to principal. Accrual of interest is generally resumed when the note receivable becomes contractually current.
The following table presents a roll-forward of the activity for the Registrants' financing receivables credit loss reserves as of December 31, 2020.
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Trade accounts receivableOther receivablesTotalTrade and other accounts receivable
(In millions)
Beginning reserve balance, January 1, 2020$87 $4 $91 $46 
Current period provision100 3 103 61 
Write-offs charged against allowance(136)(4)(140)(80)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off50 — 50 30 
Ending reserve balance, December 31, 2020$101 $3 $104 $57 
The Registrants have been monitoring the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers and various counterparties. For DTE Electric and DTE Gas, the allowance for doubtful accounts has been increased to account for additional risk related to the pandemic. As of December 31, 2020, the impact of these increases has not been material.
In April 2020, the MPSC issued an order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and authorized the deferral of certain uncollectible expense that is in excess of the amount used to set current rates. As a result of the order, the Registrants began deferring uncollectible expense as Regulatory assets, including $2 million at DTE Gas for the year ended December 31, 2020. For DTE Electric, deferrals recorded throughout the year were reversed and recorded to expense as a result of the MPSC approval of DTE Electric's one-time accounting application in December 2020. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Regulatory Matters," for further information.
For DTE Energy, uncollectible expense was $103 million, $111 million, and $140 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, which is primarily comprised of the current period provision for allowance for doubtful accounts adjusted for regulatory deferrals at DTE Gas.
For DTE Electric, uncollectible expense was $62 million, $65 million, and $85 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, which is primarily comprised of the current period provision for allowance for doubtful accounts.
There are no material amounts of past due financing receivables for the Registrants as of December 31, 2020.
Inventories
Inventories
Inventory related to utility and non-utility operations is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, where cost is generally valued using average cost.
Property, Retirement and Maintenance, and Depreciation and Amortization
Property, Retirement and Maintenance, and Depreciation and Amortization
Property is stated at cost and includes construction-related labor, materials, overheads, and AFUDC for utility property. The cost of utility properties retired is charged to accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred.
Utility property at DTE Electric and DTE Gas is depreciated over its estimated useful life using straight-line rates approved by the MPSC. DTE Energy's non-utility property is depreciated over its estimated useful life using the straight-line method. Depreciation and amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain regulatory assets for the Registrants.
The cost of nuclear fuel is capitalized. The amortization of nuclear fuel is included within Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility in the DTE Energy Consolidated Statements of Operations, and Fuel and purchased power in the DTE Electric Consolidated Statements of Operations, and is recorded using the units-of-production method.
Capitalized software costs are classified as Property, plant, and equipment and the related amortization is included in accumulated depreciation and amortization on the Registrants' Consolidated Financial Statements. The Registrants capitalize the costs associated with computer software developed or obtained for use in their businesses. The Registrants amortize capitalized software costs on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit, ranging from 3 to 15 years for DTE Energy and 3 to 15 years for DTE Electric.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the expected undiscounted future cash flows generated by the asset, an impairment loss is recognized resulting in the asset being written down to its estimated fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.
Intangible Assets DTE Energy amortizes customer relationship and contract intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit.
Excise and Sales Taxes and Income Taxes
Excise and Sales Taxes
The Registrants record the billing of excise and sales taxes as a receivable with an offsetting payable to the applicable taxing authority, with no net impact on the Registrants’ Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effect of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and the reported amounts in the Registrant's Consolidated Financial Statements. Consistent with the original establishment of these deferred tax liabilities (assets), recognition of these non-cash transactions are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The federal income tax provisions or benefits of DTE Energy’s subsidiaries are determined on an individual company basis and recognize the tax benefit of tax credits and net operating losses, if applicable. The state and local income tax provisions of the utility subsidiaries are also determined on an individual company basis and recognize the tax benefit of various tax credits and net operating losses, if applicable. The subsidiaries record federal, state, and local income taxes payable to or receivable from DTE Energy based on the federal, state, and local tax provisions of each company.
Deferred Debt Costs
Deferred Debt Costs
The costs related to the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and amortized over the life of each debt issue. The deferred amounts are included as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of each debt issue in Mortgage bonds, notes, and other and Junior subordinated debentures on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and in Mortgage bonds, notes, and other on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. In accordance with MPSC regulations applicable to DTE Energy’s electric and gas utilities, the unamortized discount, premium, and expense related to utility debt redeemed with a refinancing are amortized over the life of the replacement issue. Discount, premium, and expense on early redemptions of debt associated with DTE Energy's non-utility operations are charged to earnings.
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities Investments in Debt and Equity SecuritiesThe Registrants generally record investments in debt and equity securities at market value with unrealized gains or losses included in earnings. Changes in the fair value of Fermi 2 nuclear decommissioning investments are recorded as adjustments to Regulatory assets or liabilities, due to a recovery mechanism from customers. The Registrants' equity investments are reviewed for impairment each reporting period. If the assessment indicates that an impairment exists, a loss is recognized resulting in the equity investment being written down to its estimated fair value.
DTE Energy Foundation
DTE Energy Foundation
DTE Energy's contributions to the DTE Energy Foundation were $20 million and $22 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018, respectively. There were no charitable contributions made to the DTE Energy Foundation for the year ended December 31, 2019. The DTE Energy Foundation is a non-consolidated not-for-profit private foundation, the purpose of which is to contribute to and assist charitable organizations.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as amended. The amendments in this update have replaced the previous incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information, including forecasts, to develop credit loss estimates. The ASU requires entities to use the new methodology to measure impairment of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, and may result in earlier recognition of credit losses than under previous generally accepted accounting principles. Entities must apply the new guidance as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. The Registrants adopted the standard effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of the ASU did not have an impact on the Registrants' financial position or results of operations. Additional required disclosures have been included in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Significant Accounting Policies.”
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation to determine the amount of goodwill impairment. Under the ASU, a goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The Registrants adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of the ASU did not have an impact on the Registrants' Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820. The Registrants adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2020. The Registrants have updated Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Fair Value," to incorporate the disclosure changes required by the ASU.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The amendments in this update align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The Registrants adopted the standard effective January 1, 2020 using the prospective approach. The adoption of the ASU did not have an impact on the Registrants’ Consolidated Financial Statements. On a prospective basis, costs within the scope of this amendment will be accounted for consistent with any underlying service contracts. Capitalized implementation costs will be reflected in Other noncurrent assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and amortization of these costs will be reflected in Operation and maintenance within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Cash flow activity will be reflected in the Other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities line within the Operating Activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The Registrants adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2020. The Registrants have updated Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets," to incorporate the disclosure changes required by the ASU.
In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities. The amendments in this update modify the requirements for determining whether fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests and require reporting entities to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis. The Registrants adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of the ASU did not have a significant impact on the Registrants’ Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Issued Pronouncements
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this update simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions, and clarifying certain requirements regarding franchise taxes, goodwill, consolidated tax expenses, and annual effective tax rate calculations. The ASU is effective for the Registrants for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Registrants will adopt the ASU on its effective date using a modified retrospective approach. The ASU will not have a significant impact on the Registrants' Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, as amended. The amendments in this update provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The optional expedients are effective for the modification of existing contracts or new arrangements executed March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Registrants are currently assessing the impact of this standard on their Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity. The amendments in this update simplify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts indexed to and potentially settled in an entity's own equity. The ASU is effective for the Registrants for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU will not have a significant impact on the Registrants' Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue
Upon the adoption of Topic 606, revenue is measured based upon the consideration specified in a contract with a customer at the time when performance obligations are satisfied. Under Topic 606, a performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service or a series of distinct goods or services to the customer. The Registrants recognize revenue when performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. The Registrants have determined control to be transferred when the product is delivered or the service is provided to the customer. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, recognition of revenue for the Registrants subsequent to the adoption of Topic 606 is substantially similar in amount and approach to that prior to adoption.
Rates for DTE Electric and DTE Gas include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel and purchased power costs, cost of natural gas, and certain other costs. Revenues are adjusted for differences between actual costs subject to reconciliation and the amounts billed in current rates. Under or over recovered revenues related to these cost recovery mechanisms are included in Regulatory assets or liabilities on the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and are recovered or returned to customers through adjustments to the billing factors.
Asset Retirement Obligations
DTE Electric has a legal retirement obligation for the decommissioning costs for its Fermi 1 and Fermi 2 nuclear plants, dismantlement of facilities located on leased property, and various other operations. DTE Electric has conditional retirement obligations for asbestos and PCB removal at certain of its power plants and various distribution equipment. DTE Gas has conditional retirement obligations for gas pipelines, certain service centers, compressor and gate stations. The Registrants recognize such obligations as liabilities at fair market value when they are incurred, which generally is at the time the associated assets are placed in service. Fair value is measured using expected future cash outflows discounted at the Registrants' credit-adjusted risk-free rate. For its utility operations, the Registrants recognize in the Consolidated Statements of Operations removal costs in accordance with regulatory treatment. Any differences between costs recognized related to asset retirement and those reflected in rates are recognized as either a Regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
If a reasonable estimate of fair value cannot be made in the period in which the retirement obligation is incurred, such as for assets with indeterminate lives, the liability is recognized when a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Natural gas storage system and certain other distribution assets for DTE Gas and substations, manholes, and certain other distribution assets for DTE Electric have an indeterminate life. Therefore, no liability has been recorded for these assets.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
DTE Electric and DTE Gas are required to record Regulatory assets and liabilities for certain transactions that would have been treated as revenue or expense in non-regulated businesses. Continued applicability of regulatory accounting treatment requires that rates be designed to recover specific costs of providing regulated services and be charged to and collected from customers. Future regulatory changes could result in the discontinuance of this accounting treatment for Regulatory assets and liabilities for some or all of the Registrants' businesses and may require the write-off of the portion of any Regulatory asset or liability that was no longer probable of recovery through regulated rates. Management believes that currently available facts support the continued use of Regulatory assets and liabilities and that all Regulatory assets and liabilities are recoverable or refundable in the current regulatory environment.
Fair Value Measurement
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, 2020 and 2019. 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.
Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts and Other Investments
Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts and Other Investments
The nuclear decommissioning trusts and other investments hold debt and equity securities directly and indirectly through commingled funds. Exchange-traded debt and equity securities held directly, as well as publicly-traded commingled funds, are valued using quoted market prices in actively traded markets. Non-exchange traded fixed income securities are valued based upon quotations available from brokers or pricing services.
Non-publicly traded commingled funds holding exchange-traded equity or debt securities are valued based on stated NAVs. There are no significant restrictions for these funds and investments may be redeemed with 7 to 65 days notice depending on the fund. There is no intention to sell the investment in these commingled funds.
Private equity and other assets include a diversified group of funds that are classified as NAV assets. These funds primarily invest in private equity partnerships, as well as real estate and private debt. Distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying fund assets over the life of the funds. There are generally no redemption rights. The limited partner must hold the fund for its life or find a third-party buyer, which may need to be approved by the general partner. The funds are established with varied contractual durations generally in the range of 7 years to 12 years. The fund life can often be extended by several years by the general partner, and further extended with the approval of the limited partners. Unfunded commitments related to these investments totaled $183 million and $151 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
For pricing the nuclear decommissioning trusts and other investments, 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 source of a given security if the trustee determines that another price source is considered 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.
Derivative Assets and Liabilities
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.
Fair Value Transfer 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.
Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts
Certain of DTE Energy's derivative positions are subject to netting arrangements which provide for offsetting of asset and liability positions as well as related cash collateral. Such netting arrangements generally do not have restrictions. Under such netting arrangements, DTE Energy offsets the fair value of derivative instruments with cash collateral received or paid for those contracts executed with the same counterparty, which reduces DTE Energy's Total Assets and Liabilities. Cash collateral is allocated between the fair value of derivative instruments and customer accounts receivable and payable with the same counterparty on a pro-rata basis to the extent there is exposure. Any cash collateral remaining, after the exposure is netted to zero, is reflected in Accounts receivable and Accounts payable as collateral paid or received, respectively.
DTE Energy also provides and receives collateral in the form of letters of credit which can be offset against net Derivative assets and liabilities as well as Accounts receivable and payable. DTE Energy had issued letters of credit of $7 million outstanding at December 31, 2020 and $6 million at December 31, 2019, which could be used to offset net Derivative liabilities. Letters of credit received from third parties which could be used to offset net Derivative assets were $9 million and $4 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Such balances of letters of credit are excluded from the tables below and are not netted with the recognized assets and liabilities in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
For contracts with certain clearing agents, the fair value of derivative instruments is netted against realized positions with the net balance reflected as either 1) a Derivative asset or liability or 2) an Account receivable or payable. Other than certain clearing agents, Accounts receivable and Accounts payable that are subject to netting arrangements have not been offset against the fair value of Derivative assets and liabilities.
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting Revenues and energy costs related to trading contracts are presented on a net basis in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations. Commodity derivatives used for trading purposes, and financial non-trading commodity derivatives, are accounted for using the MTM method with unrealized and realized gains and losses recorded in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations. Non-trading physical commodity sale and purchase derivative contracts are generally accounted for using the MTM method with unrealized and realized gains and losses for sales recorded in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations and purchases recorded in Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility.
Lessee
Lessee
Leases at DTE Energy are primarily comprised of various forms of equipment, computer hardware, coal railcars, production facilities, buildings, and certain easement leases with terms ranging from approximately 2 to 40 years. Leases at DTE Electric are primarily comprised of various forms of equipment, computer hardware, coal railcars, and certain easement leases with terms ranging from approximately 2 to 40 years.
A lease is deemed to exist when the Registrants have the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment, as conveyed through a contract, for a certain period of time and consideration paid. The right to control is deemed to occur when the Registrants have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets and the right to direct the use of such assets.
Lease liabilities are determined utilizing a discount rate to determine the present values of lease payments. Topic 842 requires the use of the rate implicit in the lease when it is readily determinable. When the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the incremental borrowing rate is used. The Registrants have determined their respective incremental borrowing rates based upon the rate of interest that would have been paid on a collateralized basis over similar tenors to that of the leases. The incremental borrowing rates for DTE Electric and DTE Gas have been determined utilizing respective secured borrowing rates for first mortgage bonds with like tenors of remaining lease terms. Incremental borrowing rates for non-utility entities have been determined utilizing an implied secured borrowing rate based upon an unsecured rate for a similar tenor of remaining lease terms, which is then adjusted for the estimated impact of collateral.
Certain leases of the Registrants contain escalation clauses whereby the payments are adjusted for consumer price or labor indices. DTE Energy has leases with non-index based escalation clauses for fixed dollar or percentage increases. DTE Electric has leases with non-index based escalation clauses for fixed dollar increases. DTE Energy also has leases with variable payments based upon usage of, or revenues associated with, the leased assets. DTE Electric also has leases with variable payments based upon the usage of the leased assets.
Certain leases of easements and coal railcars contain provisions whereby the Registrants have the option to terminate the lease agreement by giving notice of such termination during the time frames specified in the respective lease. The Registrants have considered such provisions in the determination of the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the lease would be terminated.
The Registrants have certain leases which contain purchase options. Based upon the nature of the leased property and terms of the purchase options, the Registrants have determined it is not reasonably certain that such purchase options will be utilized. Thus, the impact of the purchase options has not been included in the determination of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for the subject leases.
The Registrants have certain leases which contain renewal options. Where the renewal options were deemed reasonably certain to occur, the impacts of such options were included in the determination of the right of use assets and lease liabilities.
The Registrants have agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. Consideration in a lease is allocated between lease and non-lease components based upon the estimated relative standalone prices. The Registrants have certain coal railcar leases for which non-lease and lease components are accounted for as a single lease component, as permitted under Topic 842.
Lessor
Lessor
During 2020, DTE Energy executed a sale of membership interests in the REF business accounted for as a finance lease arrangement with a term of less than 2 years, resulting in a net investment in finance leases of $8 million and selling profit of $11 million. Also in 2020, DTE Energy completed construction of and began operating certain energy infrastructure assets for a large industrial customer under a long-term agreement, where the assets will transfer to the customer at the end of the contract term in 2040. DTE Energy has accounted for a portion of the agreement as a finance lease arrangement, recognizing a net investment of $133 million.
DTE Energy leases a portion of its pipeline system to the Vector Pipeline through a finance lease contract that has been renewed through 2025, with additional renewal options reasonably certain to be exercised through 2040. DTE Energy owns a 40% interest in the Vector Pipeline. DTE Energy's net investment in finance leases relating to Vector Pipeline was $39 million at December 31, 2020, and is included in the finance leases table below.
DTE Energy also leases various assets under operating leases for a pipeline, energy facilities and related equipment. Such leases are comprised of both fixed payments and variable payments which are contingent on volumes, with terms ranging from 2 to 24 years. Generally, the operating leases do not have renewal provisions or options to purchase the assets at the end of the lease. The operating leases generally do not have termination for convenience provisions. Termination may be allowed under specific circumstances stated in the lease contract, such as under an event of default.
Certain of the finance and operating leases have lease terms that extend to the end of the estimated economic life of the leased assets, thereby resulting in no residual value. Any remaining residual values under the finance and operating leases are expected to be recovered through rates, renewals or new lease contracts. Residual values have been determined using the estimated economic life of the leased assets. The finance and operating leases do not contain residual value guarantees.
Certain of the operating leases have both lease and non-lease components. The lease and non-lease components are allocated based upon estimated relative standalone selling prices.
A lease is deemed to exist when the Registrants have provided other parties with the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment, as conveyed through a contract, for a certain period of time and consideration received. The right to control is deemed to occur when the Registrants have provided other parties with the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets and the right to direct the use of such assets.
Stock-Based Compensation DTE Energy records compensation expense at fair value over the vesting period for all awards it grants.
v3.20.4
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities
The following table summarizes the major Consolidated Statements of Financial Position items for consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. All assets and liabilities of a consolidated VIE are presented where it has been determined that a consolidated VIE has either (1) assets that can be used only to settle obligations of the VIE or (2) liabilities for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary. VIEs, in which DTE Energy holds a majority voting interest and is the primary beneficiary, that meet the definition of a business and whose assets can be used for purposes other than the settlement of the VIE's obligations have been excluded from the table below.
Amounts for DTE Energy's consolidated VIEs are as follows:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
SGG(a)
OtherTotal
SGG(a)
OtherTotal
(In millions)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents$34 $20 $54 $16 $11 $27 
Accounts receivable8 28 36 8 19 27 
Inventories— 107 107 — 74 74 
Property, plant, and equipment, net402 23 425 410 33 443 
Goodwill25 — 25 25 — 25 
Intangible assets527 — 527 542 — 542 
Other current and long-term assets2 33 35 2 — 2 
$998 $211 $1,209 $1,003 $137 $1,140 
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued current liabilities$— $22 $22 $2 $13 $15 
Short-term borrowings— 38 38 — — — 
Other current and long-term liabilities7 4 11 7 7 14 
$7 $64 $71 $9 $20 $29 
_____________________________________
(a)Amounts shown are 100% of SGG's assets and liabilities, of which DTE Energy owns 85% at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Summary of Amounts For Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
Amounts for DTE Energy's non-consolidated VIEs are as follows:
December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
Investments in equity method investees$1,507 $1,503 
Notes receivable$47 $21 
Future funding commitments$26 $63 
Equity Method Investments
DTE Energy equity method investees are described below:
Investments% Owned
Segment2020201920202019Description
(In millions)
Significant Equity Method Investees
Gas Storage and Pipelines
NEXUS Pipeline$1,349 $1,345 50%50%256-mile pipeline to transport Utica and Marcellus shale gas to Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario market centers. Also includes Generation Pipeline, a 25-mile pipeline located in northern Ohio
Vector Pipeline134 131 40%40%348-mile pipeline connecting Chicago, Michigan, and Ontario market centers
Millennium Pipeline208 209 26%26%263-mile pipeline serving markets in the Northeast
1,691 1,685 
Other Equity Method Investees
Other Segments177 177 
$1,868 $1,862 
Summarized balance sheet data is as follows:
December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
Current Assets$351 $374 
Non-current assets$5,235 $5,260 
Current Liabilities$319 $414 
Non-current liabilities$686 $698 
Summarized income statement data is as follows:
December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Operating Revenues$1,227 $1,210 $883 
Operating Expenses$847 $853 $622 
Net Income$395 $313 $365 
v3.20.4
Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Income
The following is a summary of DTE Energy's Other income:
202020192018
(In millions)
Income from REF entities$139 $130 $98 
Equity earnings of equity method investees132 111 132 
Gains from rabbi trust securities(a)
28 37 6 
Contract services28 29 51 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction25 24 28 
Gas Storage and Pipelines post-acquisition settlement20 — — 
Other16 19 18 
$388 $350 $333 
_______________________________________
(a)Losses from rabbi trust securities are recorded separately to Other expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following is a summary of DTE Electric's Other income:
202020192018
(In millions)
Gains from rabbi trust securities allocated from DTE Energy(a)
$28 $37 $6 
Contract services28 32 51 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction23 22 19 
Other8 16 7 
$87 $107 $83 
_______________________________________
(a)Losses from rabbi trust securities are recorded separately to Other expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table summarizes the changes in DTE Energy's Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component(a) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Benefit Obligations(b)
Foreign Currency TranslationTotal
(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2018$(11)$(102)$(7)$(120)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(14)(7)1 (20)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)2 15 — 17 
Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss)(12)8 1 (3)
Implementation of ASU 2018-02(2)(23)— (25)
Balance, December 31, 2019$(25)$(117)$(6)$(148)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(3)(2)1 (4)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)5 10 — 15 
Net current-period Other comprehensive income2 8 1 11 
Balance, December 31, 2020$(23)$(109)$(5)$(137)
______________________________________
(a)All amounts are net of tax, except for Foreign currency translation.
(b)The amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are included in the computation of the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs (see Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets").
Schedule of Financing Receivables Classified by Internal Grade of Credit Risk
The following represents the Registrants' financing receivables by year of origination, classified by internal grade of credit risk. The related credit quality indicators and risk ratings utilized to develop the internal grades have been updated through December 31, 2020.
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Year of origination
202020192018 and priorTotal2020 and prior
(In millions)
Notes receivable
Internal grade 1$— $14 $10 $24 $14 
Internal grade 268 43 6 117 2 
Total notes receivable(a)
$68 $57 $16 $141 $16 
Net investment in leases
Net investment in leases, internal grade 1$6 $— $39 $45 $— 
Net investment in leases, internal grade 2131 — 1 132 — 
Total net investment in leases(a)
$137 $— $40 $177 $— 
_______________________________________
(a)For DTE Energy, included in Current Assets — Other and Other Assets — Notes Receivable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. For DTE Electric, included in Current Assets — Other and Other Assets — Other on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Schedule of Roll-Forward of Activity for Financing Receivables Credit Loss Reserves
The following table presents a roll-forward of the activity for the Registrants' financing receivables credit loss reserves as of December 31, 2020.
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Trade accounts receivableOther receivablesTotalTrade and other accounts receivable
(In millions)
Beginning reserve balance, January 1, 2020$87 $4 $91 $46 
Current period provision100 3 103 61 
Write-offs charged against allowance(136)(4)(140)(80)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off50 — 50 30 
Ending reserve balance, December 31, 2020$101 $3 $104 $57 
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
The Registrants have certain Intangible assets as shown below:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Useful LivesGross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying ValueGross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Value
(In millions)
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Customer relationships
25 to 40 years(a)
$2,252 $(121)$2,131 $2,252 $(66)$2,186 
Contract intangibles
6 to 26 years
289 (92)197 268 (76)192 
2,541 (213)2,328 2,520 (142)2,378 
DTE Electric renewable energy credits(b)8 — 8 15 — 15 
DTE Electric zonal resource credits(c)3 — 3 — — — 
DTE Electric Long-term intangible assets11 — 11 15 — 15 
DTE Energy Long-term intangible assets$2,552 $(213)$2,339 $2,535 $(142)$2,393 
______________________________________
(a)The useful lives of the customer relationship intangible assets are based on the number of years in which the assets are expected to economically contribute to the business. The expected economic benefit incorporates existing customer contracts and expected renewal rates based on the estimated volume and production lives of gas resources in the region.
(b)Renewable energy credits are charged to expense, using average cost, as the credits are consumed in the operation of the business.
(c)Zonal resource credits are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period that they are in effect.
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The Registrants have certain Intangible assets as shown below:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Useful LivesGross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying ValueGross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Value
(In millions)
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Customer relationships
25 to 40 years(a)
$2,252 $(121)$2,131 $2,252 $(66)$2,186 
Contract intangibles
6 to 26 years
289 (92)197 268 (76)192 
2,541 (213)2,328 2,520 (142)2,378 
DTE Electric renewable energy credits(b)8 — 8 15 — 15 
DTE Electric zonal resource credits(c)3 — 3 — — — 
DTE Electric Long-term intangible assets11 — 11 15 — 15 
DTE Energy Long-term intangible assets$2,552 $(213)$2,339 $2,535 $(142)$2,393 
______________________________________
(a)The useful lives of the customer relationship intangible assets are based on the number of years in which the assets are expected to economically contribute to the business. The expected economic benefit incorporates existing customer contracts and expected renewal rates based on the estimated volume and production lives of gas resources in the region.
(b)Renewable energy credits are charged to expense, using average cost, as the credits are consumed in the operation of the business.
(c)Zonal resource credits are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period that they are in effect.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense
The following table summarizes DTE Energy's estimated customer relationship and contract intangible amortization expense expected to be recognized during each year through 2025:
20212022202320242025
(In millions)
Estimated amortization expense$73 $73 $73 $73 $73 
Schedule of Accounting Policies
See the following notes for other accounting policies impacting the Registrants’ Consolidated Financial Statements:
NoteTitle
5Revenue
7Property, Plant, and Equipment
9Asset Retirement Obligations
10Regulatory Matters
11Income Taxes
13Fair Value
14Financial and Other Derivative Instruments
18Leases
21Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets
22Stock-Based Compensation
v3.20.4
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation
The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the cost was allocated to the underlying net assets based on their respective fair values as shown below:
(In millions)
Contract intangibles$17 
Property, plant, and equipment, net76 
Working capital2 
Total$95 
The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the cost was allocated to the underlying net assets based on their respective fair values as shown below:
(In millions)
Contract intangibles$109 
Property, plant, and equipment, net60 
Working capital6 
Total$175 
The components of the final purchase price allocation, inclusive of purchase accounting adjustments, are as follows:
(In millions)
Assets
Cash$62 
Accounts receivable31 
Property, plant, and equipment, net1,034 
Goodwill173 
Customer relationship intangibles1,473 
Other current assets1 
$2,774 
Liabilities
Accounts payable$26 
Acquisition related deferred payment380 
Other current liabilities2 
Asset retirement obligations9 
$417 
Total cash consideration$2,357 
v3.20.4
Revenue (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following is a summary of revenues disaggregated by segment for DTE Energy:
202020192018
(In millions)
Electric(a)
Residential$2,825 $2,427 $2,494 
Commercial1,739 1,795 1,794 
Industrial592 659 690 
Other(b)
364 348 320 
Total Electric operating revenues(c)
$5,520 $5,229 $5,298 
Gas
Gas sales$971 $1,043 $1,055 
End User Transportation218 219 232 
Intermediate Transportation79 78 58 
Other(b)
146 142 91 
Total Gas operating revenues(d)
$1,414 $1,482 $1,436 
Other segment operating revenues
Gas Storage and Pipelines(e)
$754 $501 $485 
Power and Industrial Projects(f)
$1,224 $1,560 $2,204 
Energy Trading(g)
$3,863 $4,610 $5,557 
_______________________________________
(a)Revenues generally represent those of DTE Electric, except $14 million and $5 million of Other revenues related to DTE Sustainable Generation for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(b)Includes revenue adjustments related to various regulatory mechanisms.
(c)Includes $26 million, $22 million, and $21 million under Alternative Revenue Programs and $22 million, $19 million, and $20 million of other revenues, which are both outside the scope of Topic 606, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
(d)Includes $10 million, $8 million, and $2 million under Alternative Revenue Programs and $8 million, $7 million, and $7 million of other revenues, which are both outside the scope of Topic 606, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
(e)Includes revenues outside the scope of Topic 606 primarily related to $9 million of contracts accounted for as leases for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
(f)Includes revenues outside the scope of Topic 606 primarily related to $99 million, $121 million, and $125 million of contracts accounted for as leases for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
(g)Includes revenues outside the scope of Topic 606 primarily related to $2.7 billion, $3.4 billion, and $4.5 billion of derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Summary of Deferred Revenue Activity
The following is a summary of deferred revenue activity:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
Beginning Balance, January 1, 2020$75 
Increases due to cash received or receivable, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period55 
Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period(43)
Ending Balance, December 31, 2020$87 
Deferred Revenue Amounts Expected to be Recognized as Revenue in Future Periods
The following table represents deferred revenue amounts for DTE Energy that are expected to be recognized as revenue in future periods:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$59 
20227 
20233 
20243 
20257 
2026 and thereafter8 
$87 
The Registrants expect to recognize revenue for the following amounts related to fixed consideration associated with remaining performance obligations in each of the future periods noted:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
(In millions)
2021$285 $8 
2022323 7 
2023263 7 
2024158 7 
2025113 1 
2026 and thereafter501 — 
$1,643 $30 
v3.20.4
Goodwill (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Goodwill
The following is the summary of change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Balance as of January 1$2,464 $2,293 
Goodwill attributable to Gas Storage and Pipelines 2019 acquisition of Blue Union and LEAP2 171 
Balance at December 31$2,466 $2,464 
v3.20.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
PP&E by Classification, Summary of Depreciation and Amortization
The following is a summary of Property, plant, and equipment by classification as of December 31:
20202019
Property, plant, and equipment(In millions)
DTE Electric
Zero carbon generation
Nuclear$3,295 $3,022 
Renewables1,817 1,362 
Fossil and other generation8,031 7,644 
Distribution10,354 9,715 
Other2,674 2,536 
Total DTE Electric26,171 24,279 
DTE Gas
Distribution4,517 4,164 
Storage576 570 
Transmission and other1,341 1,244 
Total DTE Gas6,434 5,978 
Non-utility and other
Gas Storage and Pipelines3,981 3,524 
Power and Industrial Projects1,194 1,108 
Other217 183 
Non-utility and other5,392 4,815 
Total DTE Energy37,997 35,072 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
DTE Electric
Zero carbon generation
Nuclear(373)(344)
Renewables(295)(243)
Fossil and other generation(3,014)(2,873)
Distribution(2,686)(2,553)
Other(682)(693)
Total DTE Electric(7,050)(6,706)
DTE Gas
Distribution(1,215)(1,334)
Storage(146)(172)
Transmission and other(403)(409)
Total DTE Gas(1,764)(1,915)
Non-utility and other
Gas Storage and Pipelines(511)(459)
Power and Industrial Projects(619)(604)
Other(84)(71)
Non-utility and other(1,214)(1,134)
Total DTE Energy(10,028)(9,755)
Net DTE Energy Property, plant, and equipment$27,969 $25,317 
Net DTE Electric Property, plant, and equipment$19,121 $17,573 
The following is a summary of Depreciation and amortization expense for DTE Energy:
202020192018
(In millions)
Property, plant, and equipment$1,120 $997 $878 
Regulatory assets and liabilities245 227 212 
Intangible assets71 33 27 
Other7 6 7 
$1,443 $1,263 $1,124 
The following is a summary of Depreciation and amortization expense for DTE Electric:
202020192018
(In millions)
Property, plant, and equipment$831 $748 $652 
Regulatory assets and liabilities207 193 179 
Other5 5 5 
$1,043 $946 $836 
Schedule of AFUDC and Capitalized Interest Rates
The AFUDC and capitalized interest rates were as follows for the years ended December 31:
202020192018
DTE Electric AFUDC5.47 %5.43 %5.41 %
DTE Gas AFUDC5.56 %5.56 %5.71 %
Non-regulated businesses capitalized interest3.90 %4.00 %4.00 %
Schedule of AFUDC and Interest Capitalized
The following is a summary of AFUDC and interest capitalized for the years ended December 31:
202020192018
DTE Energy(In millions)
Allowance for debt funds used during construction and interest capitalized$22 $15 $15 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction25 24 28 
Total$47 $39 $43 

202020192018
DTE Electric(In millions)
Allowance for debt funds used during construction$10 $10 $9 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction23 22 19 
Total$33 $32 $28 
Schedule of Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment The average estimated useful life for each major class of utility Property, plant, and equipment as of December 31, 2020 follows:
Estimated Useful Lives in Years
UtilityGenerationDistributionStorage
DTE Electric3238N/A
DTE GasN/A4958
Schedule of Capitalized Software
The following balances for capitalized software relate to DTE Energy:
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Amortization expense of capitalized software$129 $123 $108 
Gross carrying value of capitalized software$866 $906 
Accumulated amortization of capitalized software$432 $520 
The following balances for capitalized software relate to DTE Electric:
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Amortization expense of capitalized software$118 $112 $101 
Gross carrying value of capitalized software$756 $811 
Accumulated amortization of capitalized software$363 $462 
v3.20.4
Jointly-Owned Utility Plant (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Net Ownership Amount [Abstract]  
Schedule of Jointly-Owned Utility Plants
DTE Electric's ownership information of the two utility plants as of December 31, 2020 was as follows:
Belle RiverLudington
Hydroelectric
Pumped Storage
In-service date1984-19851973
Total plant capacity1,270 MW2,220 MW
Ownership interest81%49%
Investment in Property, plant, and equipment (in millions)$1,932 $609 
Accumulated depreciation (in millions)$945 $181 
v3.20.4
Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligations
Changes to asset retirement obligations for 2020, 2019, and 2018 were as follows:
202020192018
DTE Energy(In millions)
Asset retirement obligations at January 1$2,672 $2,469 $2,320 
Accretion157 149 140 
Liabilities incurred25 20 27 
Liabilities settled(14)(17)(16)
Revision in estimated cash flows(1)51 (2)
Asset retirement obligations at December 31$2,839 $2,672 $2,469 
202020192018
DTE Electric(In millions)
Asset retirement obligations at January 1$2,447 $2,271 $2,125 
Accretion145 138 129 
Liabilities incurred18 1 27 
Liabilities settled(8)(14)(8)
Revision in estimated cash flows5 51 (2)
Asset retirement obligations at December 31$2,607 $2,447 $2,271 
v3.20.4
Regulatory Matters (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Regulatory Assets
The following are balances and a brief description of the Registrants' Regulatory assets and liabilities at December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
Assets(In millions)
Recoverable pension and other postretirement costs
Pension$1,938 $1,983 $1,477 $1,497 
Other postretirement costs165 201 108 131 
Recoverable undepreciated costs on retiring plants664 657 664 657 
Fermi 2 asset retirement obligation645 669 645 669 
Recoverable Michigan income taxes176 189 142 152 
Enhanced Tree Trimming Program deferred costs119 43 119 43 
Accrued PSCR revenue100 3 100 3 
Recoverable income taxes related to AFUDC equity64 56 54 47 
Energy Waste Reduction incentive62 54 49 43 
Deferred environmental costs57 66 — — 
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt55 56 41 40 
Nuclear Performance Evaluation and Review Committee Tracker55 48 55 48 
Customer360 deferred costs51 55 51 55 
Non-service pension and other postretirement costs21 15 — — 
Other recoverable income taxes19 20 19 20 
Transitional Reconciliation Mechanism11 10 11 10 
Other55 51 28 38 
4,257 4,176 3,563 3,453 
Less amount included in Current Assets(129)(5)(123)(5)
$4,128 $4,171 $3,440 $3,448 
Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
Liabilities(In millions)
Refundable federal income taxes$2,255 $2,359 $1,827 $1,911 
Removal costs liability831 700 410 483 
Negative other postretirement offset122 93 86 69 
Non-service pension and other postretirement costs78 46 36 21 
COVID-19 voluntary refund30 — 30 — 
Renewable energy21 54 21 54 
Accrued GCR refund20 23 — — 
Other45 54 40 48 
3,402 3,329 2,450 2,586 
Less amount included in Current Liabilities(39)(65)(18)(40)
$3,363 $3,264 $2,432 $2,546 
v3.20.4
Income Taxes (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
The Registrants' total Income Tax Expense varied from the statutory federal income tax rate for the following reasons:
202020192018
DTE Energy(In millions)
Income Before Income Taxes$1,538 $1,324 $1,216 
Income tax expense at 21% statutory rate$323 $278 $255 
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit81 48 60 
Production tax credits(121)(128)(223)
TCJA regulatory liability amortization(76)(38)— 
Net operating loss carryback(34)— — 
AFUDC equity(4)(4)(14)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan dividends(4)(3)(3)
Investment tax credits(4)(4)(4)
Stock based compensation(3)(7)(3)
Enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act— — 21 
Noncontrolling interests 1 — 2 
Depreciation2 2 2 
Other, net6 8 5 
Income Tax Expense$167 $152 $98 
Effective income tax rate10.9 %11.5 %8.1 %
202020192018
DTE Electric(In millions)
Income Before Income Taxes$887 $854 $857 
Income tax expense at 21% statutory rate$186 $179 $180 
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit50 49 49 
TCJA regulatory liability amortization(62)(35)— 
Production tax credits(55)(45)(35)
Investment tax credits(4)(4)(3)
AFUDC equity(4)(4)(3)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan dividends(2)(2)(2)
Enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act— — 7 
Depreciation2 2 2 
Other, net(2)(2)(2)
Income Tax Expense$109 $138 $193 
Effective income tax rate12.3 %16.2 %22.5 %
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Components of the Registrants' Income Tax Expense were as follows:
202020192018
DTE Energy(In millions)
Current income tax expense (benefit)
Federal$(247)$(184)$(17)
State and other income tax7 7 1 
Total current income taxes(240)(177)(16)
Deferred income tax expense
Federal310 275 38 
State and other income tax97 54 76 
Total deferred income taxes407 329 114 
$167 $152 $98 
202020192018
DTE Electric(In millions)
Current income tax expense
Federal$15 $25 $— 
State and other income tax5 16 4 
Total current income taxes20 41 4 
Deferred income tax expense
Federal30 51 131 
State and other income tax59 46 58 
Total deferred income taxes89 97 189 
$109 $138 $193 
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The Registrants' deferred tax assets (liabilities) were comprised of the following at December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Property, plant, and equipment$(4,032)$(3,755)$(3,099)$(2,956)
Regulatory assets and liabilities(108)(47)(53)4 
Tax credit carry-forwards1,144 1,161 278 252 
Pension and benefits321 300 264 258 
Federal net operating loss carry-forward265 276 — — 
State and local net operating loss carry-forwards155 117 — — 
Investments in equity method investees(667)(465)— — 
Other141 138 85 87 
(2,781)(2,275)(2,525)(2,355)
Less valuation allowance(41)(40)— — 
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities$(2,822)$(2,315)$(2,525)$(2,355)
Deferred income tax assets$2,241 $2,264 $883 $865 
Deferred income tax liabilities(5,063)(4,579)(3,408)(3,220)
$(2,822)$(2,315)$(2,525)$(2,355)
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the Registrants is as follows:
202020192018
DTE Energy(In millions)
Balance at January 1$10 $10 $10 
Additions for tax positions of prior years— — — 
Balance at December 31$10 $10 $10 
202020192018
DTE Electric(In millions)
Balance at January 1$13 $13 $13 
Additions for tax positions of prior years— — — 
Balance at December 31$13 $13 $13 
v3.20.4
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
The following is a reconciliation of DTE Energy's basic and diluted income per share calculation for the years ended December 31:
202020192018
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Basic Earnings per Share
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company$1,368 $1,169 $1,120 
Less: Allocation of earnings to net restricted stock awards(2)(2)(2)
Net income available to common shareholders — basic$1,366 $1,167 $1,118 
Average number of common shares outstanding — basic193 185 181 
Basic Earnings per Common Share$7.09 $6.32 $6.18 
Diluted Earnings per Share
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company$1,368 $1,169 $1,120 
Less: Allocation of earnings to net restricted stock awards(2)(2)(2)
Net income available to common shareholders — diluted$1,366 $1,167 $1,118 
Average number of common shares outstanding - diluted193 185 181 
Diluted Earnings per Common Share(a)
$7.08 $6.31 $6.17 
_______________________________________
(a)Equity Units excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS were approximately 10.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and 6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as the dilutive stock price threshold was not met. For more information, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Long-Term Debt."
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents assets and liabilities for DTE Energy measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis(a):
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Other(b)
Netting(c)
Net BalanceLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Other(b)
Netting(c)
Net Balance
(In millions)
Assets
Cash equivalents(d)
$438 $— $— $— $— $438 $15 $— $— $— $— $15 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts
Equity securities947 — — 222 — 1,169 1,046 — — — — 1,046 
Fixed income securities102 371 — 82 — 555 160 378 — — — 538 
Private equity and other— — — 104 — 104 — — — 43 — 43 
Cash equivalents27 — — — — 27 34 — — — — 34 
Other investments(e)
Equity securities55 — — — — 55 140 — — — — 140 
Fixed income securities8 — — — — 8 79 — — — — 79 
Cash equivalents97 — — — — 97 4 — — — — 4 
Derivative assets
Commodity contracts(f)
Natural gas99 74 60 — (156)77 205 76 74 — (266)89 
Electricity— 128 52 — (120)60 — 223 83 — (225)81 
Environmental & Other— 150 4 — (135)19 — 110 3 — (110)3 
Foreign currency exchange contracts— — — — — — — 1 — — — 1 
Total derivative assets99 352 116 — (411)156 205 410 160 — (601)174 
Total$1,773 $723 $116 $408 $(411)$2,609 $1,683 $788 $160 $43 $(601)$2,073 
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Commodity contracts(f)
Natural gas$(88)$(59)$(76)$— $151 $(72)$(221)$(41)$(89)$— $266 $(85)
Electricity— (126)(42)— 125 (43)— (231)(67)— 225 (73)
Environmental & Other— (137)— — 129 (8)— (121)— — 110 (11)
Foreign currency exchange contracts— (5)— — — (5)— — — — — — 
Total$(88)$(327)$(118)$— $405 $(128)$(221)$(393)$(156)$— $601 $(169)
Net Assets (Liabilities) at end of period$1,685 $396 $(2)$408 $(6)$2,481 $1,462 $395 $4 $43 $— $1,904 
Assets
Current$532 $260 $92 $— $(330)$554 $218 $320 $123 $— $(513)$148 
Noncurrent1,241 463 24 408 (81)2,055 1,465 468 37 43 (88)1,925 
Total Assets$1,773 $723 $116 $408 $(411)$2,609 $1,683 $788 $160 $43 $(601)$2,073 
Liabilities
Current$(84)$(223)$(79)$— $318 $(68)$(211)$(300)$(85)$— $513 $(83)
Noncurrent(4)(104)(39)— 87 (60)(10)(93)(71)— 88 (86)
Total Liabilities$(88)$(327)$(118)$— $405 $(128)$(221)$(393)$(156)$— $601 $(169)
Net Assets (Liabilities) at end of period$1,685 $396 $(2)$408 $(6)$2,481 $1,462 $395 $4 $43 $— $1,904 
_______________________________________
(a)See footnotes on following page.
_______________________________________
(b)Amounts represent assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.
(c)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.
(d)At December 31, 2020, the $438 million consisted of $436 million and $2 million of cash equivalents included in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash, respectively, on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. At December 31, 2019, the $15 million consisted of $4 million and $11 million of cash equivalents included in Cash and cash equivalents and Other investments, respectively, on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(e)Excludes cash surrender value of life insurance investments.
(f)For contracts with a clearing agent, DTE Energy nets all activity across commodities. This can result in some individual commodities having a contra balance.
The following table presents assets for DTE Electric measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Other(a)
Net Balance Level 1Level 2Level 3
Other(a)
Net Balance
(In millions)
Assets
Cash equivalents(b)
$4 $— $— $— $4 $11 $— $— $— $11 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts
Equity securities947 — — 222 1,169 1,046 — — — 1,046 
Fixed income securities102 371 — 82 555 160 378 — — 538 
Private equity and other— — — 104 104 — — — 43 43 
Cash equivalents27 — — — 27 34 — — — 34 
Other investments
Equity securities16 — — — 16 13 — — — 13 
Fixed income securities11 — — — 11 — — — — — 
Derivative assets — FTRs— — 4 — 4 — — 3 — 3 
Total$1,107 $371 $4 $408 $1,890 $1,264 $378 $3 $43 $1,688 
Assets
Current$4 $— $4 $— $8 $11 $— $3 $— $14 
Noncurrent1,103 371 — 408 1,882 1,253 378 — 43 1,674 
Total Assets$1,107 $371 $4 $408 $1,890 $1,264 $378 $3 $43 $1,688 
_______________________________________
(a)Amounts represent assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.
(b)At December 31, 2020, the $4 million consisted of cash equivalents included in Cash and cash equivalents on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. At December 31, 2019, the $11 million consisted of cash equivalents included in Other investments on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for DTE Energy:
Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Natural GasElectricityOtherTotalNatural GasElectricityOtherTotal
(In millions)
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of January 1$(15)$16 $3 $4 $(49)$(2)$7 $(44)
Transfers from Level 3 into Level 2(2)— — (2)— — — — 
Total gains (losses)
Included in earnings(75)113 (7)31 15 77 (1)91 
Recorded in Regulatory liabilities— — 20 20 — — 2 2 
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:
Settlements76 (119)(12)(55)19 (59)(5)(45)
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of December 31$(16)$10 $4 $(2)$(15)$16 $3 $4 
Total gains (losses) included in Net Income attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31(a)
$(4)$70 $(70)$(4)$(1)$59 $(38)$20 
Total gains (losses) included in Regulatory liabilities attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31$— $— $4 $4 $— $— $3 $3 
_______________________________________
(a)Amounts are reflected in Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations and Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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:
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
Net Assets as of January 1$3 $6 
Change in fair value recorded in Regulatory liabilities20 2 
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:
Settlements(19)(5)
Net Assets as of December 31$4 $3 
Total gains (losses) included in Regulatory liabilities attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31$4 $3 
Unobservable Inputs Related to Level 3 Assets and Liabilities
The following tables present the unobservable inputs related to DTE Energy's Level 3 assets and liabilities:
December 31, 2020
Commodity ContractsDerivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesValuation TechniquesUnobservable InputRangeWeighted Average
(In millions)
Natural Gas$60 $(76)Discounted Cash FlowForward basis price (per MMBtu)$(0.86)—$2.50 /MMBtu$(0.07)/MMBtu
Electricity$52 $(42)Discounted Cash FlowForward basis price (per MWh)$(9)—$6 /MWh$— /MWh
December 31, 2019
Commodity ContractsDerivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesValuation TechniquesUnobservable InputRangeWeighted Average
(In millions)
Natural Gas$74 $(89)Discounted Cash FlowForward basis price (per MMBtu)$(1.78)—$5.78 /MMBtu$(0.09)/MMBtu
Electricity$83 $(67)Discounted Cash FlowForward basis price (per MWh)$(10)—$6 /MWh$— /MWh
Carrying Amount of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments for DTE Energy:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
CarryingFair ValueCarryingFair Value
AmountLevel 1Level 2Level 3AmountLevel 1Level 2Level 3
(In millions)
Notes receivable(a), excluding lessor finance leases
$141 $— $— $141 $184 $— $— $184 
Short-term borrowings$38 $— $38 $— $828 $— $828 $— 
Notes payable(b)
$19 $— $— $19 $25 $— $— $25 
Long-term debt(c)
$19,439 $2,547 $18,230 $1,397 $16,606 $2,572 $14,207 $1,252 
_______________________________________
(a)Current portion included in Current Assets — Other on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(b)Included in Current Liabilities — Other and Other Liabilities — Other on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(c)Includes debt due within one year, unamortized debt discounts, and issuance costs. Excludes finance lease obligations.
The following table presents the carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments for DTE Electric:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
CarryingFair ValueCarryingFair Value
AmountLevel 1Level 2Level 3AmountLevel 1Level 2Level 3
(In millions)
Notes receivable — Other(a)
$16 $— $— $16 $9 $— $— $9 
Short-term borrowings — affiliates$101 $— $— $101 $97 $— $— $97 
Short-term borrowings — other$— $— $— $— 354 $— $354 $— 
Notes payable(b)
$17 $— $— $17 $21 $— $— $21 
Long-term debt(c)
$8,236 $— $9,579 $379 $7,180 $— $7,916 $173 
_______________________________________
(a)Included in Current Assets — Other and Other Assets — Other on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(b)Included in Current Liabilities — Other and Other Liabilities — Other on DTE Electric's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(c)Includes debt due within one year, unamortized debt discounts, and issuance costs. Excludes finance lease obligations.
Fair Value of Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund Assets
The following table summarizes DTE Electric's fair value of the nuclear decommissioning trust fund assets:
December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
Fermi 2$1,841 $1,650 
Fermi 13 3 
Low-level radioactive waste11 8 
$1,855 $1,661 
Schedule of Realized Gains and Losses and Proceeds from Sale of Securities by Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds 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,
202020192018
(In millions)
Realized gains$192 $56 $65 
Realized losses$(111)$(31)$(42)
Proceeds from sale of securities$2,350 $788 $1,203 
Fair Value and Unrealized Gains and Losses for Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds
The following table sets forth DTE Electric's fair value and unrealized gains and losses for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Fair
Value		Unrealized
Gains		Unrealized LossesFair
Value		Unrealized
Gains		Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
Equity securities$1,169 $481 $(6)$1,046 $396 $(39)
Fixed income securities555 20 (1)538 24 (1)
Private equity and other104 — — 43 — — 
Cash equivalents27 — — 34 — — 
$1,855 $501 $(7)$1,661 $420 $(40)
Fair Value of the Fixed Income Securities Held in Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds
The following table summarizes the fair value of the fixed income securities held in nuclear decommissioning trust funds by contractual maturity:
December 31, 2020
(In millions)
Due within one year$51 
Due after one through five years101 
Due after five through ten years89 
Due after ten years232 
$473 
Summary of Gains (Losses) Related to the Trust The following table summarizes DTE Energy's gains (losses) related to the trust:
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Gains (losses) related to equity securities$(1)$27 $(8)
Gains (losses) related to fixed income securities(2)10 (3)
$(3)$37 $(11)
v3.20.4
Financial and Other Derivative Instruments (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments for DTE Energy:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Derivative
Assets		Derivative
Liabilities		Derivative
Assets		Derivative
Liabilities
(In millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign currency exchange contracts$— $(4)$— $— 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Commodity contracts
Natural gas$233 $(223)$355 $(351)
Electricity180 (168)306 (298)
Environmental & Other154 (137)113 (121)
Foreign currency exchange contracts— (1)1 — 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$567 $(529)$775 $(770)
Current$446 $(386)$646 $(596)
Noncurrent121 (147)129 (174)
Total derivatives$567 $(533)$775 $(770)
The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments for DTE Electric:
December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
FTRs — Other current assets$4 $3 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$4 $3 
Offsetting Assets
The following table presents net cash collateral offsetting arrangements for DTE Energy:
December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
Cash collateral netted against Derivative assets$(12)$— 
Cash collateral netted against Derivative liabilities6 — 
Cash collateral recorded in Accounts receivable(a)
14 13 
Cash collateral recorded in Accounts payable(a)
(1)(3)
Total net cash collateral posted (received)$7 $10 
_______________________________________
(a)Amounts are recorded net by counterparty.
The following table presents the netting offsets of Derivative assets and liabilities for DTE Energy:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial PositionNet Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial PositionGross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial PositionNet Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(In millions)
Derivative assets
Commodity contracts
Natural gas$233 $(156)$77 $355 $(266)$89 
Electricity180 (120)60 306 (225)81 
Environmental & Other154 (135)19 113 (110)3 
Foreign currency exchange contracts— — — 1 — 1 
Total derivative assets$567 $(411)$156 $775 $(601)$174 
Derivative liabilities
Commodity contracts
Natural gas$(223)$151 $(72)$(351)$266 $(85)
Electricity(168)125 (43)(298)225 (73)
Environmental & Other(137)129 (8)(121)110 (11)
Interest rate contracts— — — — — — 
Foreign currency exchange contracts(5)— (5)— — — 
Total derivative liabilities$(533)$405 $(128)$(770)$601 $(169)
Offsetting Liabilities
The following table presents net cash collateral offsetting arrangements for DTE Energy:
December 31,
20202019
(In millions)
Cash collateral netted against Derivative assets$(12)$— 
Cash collateral netted against Derivative liabilities6 — 
Cash collateral recorded in Accounts receivable(a)
14 13 
Cash collateral recorded in Accounts payable(a)
(1)(3)
Total net cash collateral posted (received)$7 $10 
_______________________________________
(a)Amounts are recorded net by counterparty.
The following table presents the netting offsets of Derivative assets and liabilities for DTE Energy:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial PositionNet Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial PositionGross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial PositionNet Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(In millions)
Derivative assets
Commodity contracts
Natural gas$233 $(156)$77 $355 $(266)$89 
Electricity180 (120)60 306 (225)81 
Environmental & Other154 (135)19 113 (110)3 
Foreign currency exchange contracts— — — 1 — 1 
Total derivative assets$567 $(411)$156 $775 $(601)$174 
Derivative liabilities
Commodity contracts
Natural gas$(223)$151 $(72)$(351)$266 $(85)
Electricity(168)125 (43)(298)225 (73)
Environmental & Other(137)129 (8)(121)110 (11)
Interest rate contracts— — — — — — 
Foreign currency exchange contracts(5)— (5)— — — 
Total derivative liabilities$(533)$405 $(128)$(770)$601 $(169)
Netting Offsets of Derivative Assets and Liabilities Reconciliation to the Statements of Financial Position
The following table presents the netting offsets of Derivative assets and liabilities showing the reconciliation of derivative instruments to DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Derivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesDerivative AssetsDerivative Liabilities
CurrentNoncurrentCurrentNoncurrentCurrentNoncurrentCurrentNoncurrent
(In millions)
Total fair value of derivatives$446 $121 $(386)$(147)$646 $129 $(596)$(174)
Counterparty netting(318)(81)318 81 (513)(88)513 88 
Collateral adjustment(12)— — 6 — — — — 
Total derivatives as reported$116 $40 $(68)$(60)$133 $41 $(83)$(86)
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
The effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows:
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on DerivativesGain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives for Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Commodity contracts
Natural gasOperating Revenues — Non-utility operations $(70)$44 $(42)
Natural gasFuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility20 (5)(94)
ElectricityOperating Revenues — Non-utility operations 91 44 49 
Environmental & OtherOperating Revenues — Non-utility operations (118)(26)(1)
Foreign currency exchange contractsOperating Revenues — Non-utility operations (6)(2)7 
Total$(83)$55 $(81)
Volume of Commodity Contracts
The following represents the cumulative gross volume of DTE Energy's derivative contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2020:
CommodityNumber of Units
Natural gas (MMBtu)1,757,668,006 
Electricity (MWh)29,383,355 
Foreign currency exchange ($ CAD)144,655,453 
Renewable Energy Certificates (MWh)9,221,803 
Carbon emissions (Metric Ton)12,495,202 
v3.20.4
Long-Term Debt (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments
DTE Energy's long-term debt outstanding and weighted average interest rates of debt outstanding at December 31 were:
Interest Rate(a)
Maturity Date20202019
(In millions)
Mortgage bonds, notes, and other
DTE Energy Debt, Unsecured2.7%2022 — 2033$8,175 $6,625 
DTE Electric Taxable Debt, Principally Secured3.9%2021 — 20508,030 6,930 
DTE Electric Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds(b)
4.1%2021 — 2030278 310 
DTE Gas Taxable Debt, Principally Secured4%2023 — 20501,910 1,710 
18,393 15,575 
Unamortized debt discount(25)(24)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(104)(91)
Long-term debt due within one year(462)(682)
$17,802 $14,778 
Junior Subordinated Debentures
Subordinated Debentures5.3%2076 — 2080$1,210 $1,180 
Unamortized debt issuance costs(35)(34)
$1,175 $1,146 
_______________________________________
(a)Weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2020.
(b)DTE Electric Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds are issued by a public body that loans the proceeds to DTE Electric on terms substantially mirroring the Revenue Bonds.
DTE Electric's long-term debt outstanding and weighted average interest rates of debt outstanding at December 31 were:
Interest Rate(a)
Maturity Date20202019
(In millions)
Mortgage bonds, notes, and other
Taxable Debt, Principally Secured3.9%2021 — 2050$8,030 $6,930 
Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds(b)
4.1%2021 — 2030278 310 
8,308 7,240 
Unamortized debt discount(16)(15)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(56)(45)
Long-term debt due within one year(462)(632)
$7,774 $6,548 
_______________________________________
(a)Weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2020.
(b)Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds are issued by a public body that loans the proceeds to DTE Electric on terms substantially mirroring the Revenue Bonds.
Selected information about DTE Energy’s Equity Units is presented below:
Issuance DateUnits IssuedTotal Net ProceedsTotal Long-Term DebtRSN Annual Interest RateStock Purchase Contract Annual RateStock Purchase Settlement Date
Stock Purchase Contract Liability(a)
RSN Maturity Date
(In millions, except interest rates)
11/1/1926$1,268 $1,300 2.25%4.0%11/1/2022$150 11/1/2025
_______________________________________
(a)Payments of $49 million were made in 2020. The stock purchase contract liability was $101 million and $150 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, exclusive of interest.
Schedule of Issued Debt
In 2020, the following debt was issued:
CompanyMonthTypeInterest RateMaturity DateAmount
(In millions)
DTE ElectricFebruary
Mortgage Bonds(a)
2.25%2030$600 
DTE ElectricFebruary
Mortgage Bonds(a)
2.95%2050500 
DTE ElectricApril
Mortgage Bonds(b)
2.63%2031600 
DTE EnergyAugust
Senior Notes(c)
1.05%2025800 
DTE GasAugust
Mortgage Bonds(d)
2.35%2030125 
DTE GasAugust
Mortgage Bonds(d)
3.20%2050125 
DTE EnergyOctober
Junior Subordinated Debentures(e)
4.38%2080230 
DTE EnergyOctober
Senior Notes(f)
0.55%2022750 
$3,730 
_______________________________________
(a)Proceeds used for the repayment of $300 million of DTE Electric's 2010 Series A 4.89% Senior Notes due 2020, repayment of short-term borrowings, capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.
(b)Proceeds used for the repayment of $300 million of DTE Electric's 2010 Series B 3.45% Senior Notes due 2020, repayment of $32 million of DTE Electric's 2008 Series KT Variable Rate Senior Notes due 2020, repayment of short-term borrowings, capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.
(c)Proceeds used for the repayment of short-term borrowings and for general corporate purposes.
(d)Proceeds used for the repayment of $50 million of DTE Gas's 2008 Series I 6.36% Senior Notes due 2020 and for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures.
(e)Proceeds used for the repayment of $200 million of DTE Energy's 2012 Series C 5.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2062 and for general corporate purposes.
(f)Proceeds used for the repayment of DTE Energy's $500 million unsecured term loan expiring March 2021, repayment of DTE Energy's $167 million unsecured term loan expiring June 2021, and general corporate purposes.
Schedule of Debt Redeemed
In 2020, the following debt was redeemed:
CompanyMonthTypeInterest RateMaturity DateAmount
(In millions)
DTE ElectricMarchSenior Notes4.89%2020$300 
DTE ElectricJulySenior Notes5.63%202032 
DTE ElectricJulySenior Notes3.45%2020300 
DTE GasSeptemberSenior Notes6.36%202050 
DTE EnergyOctoberJunior Subordinated Debentures5.25%2062200 
$882 
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt
The following table shows the Registrants' scheduled debt maturities, excluding any unamortized discount on debt:
202120222023202420252026 and ThereafterTotal
(In millions)
DTE Energy(a)
$462 $3,466 $1,177 $1,425 $1,220 $11,853 $19,603 
DTE Electric$462 $316 $202 $400 $350 $6,578 $8,308 
_______________________________________
(a)Amounts include DTE Electric's scheduled debt maturities.
v3.20.4
Preferred and Preference Securities (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Preferred and Preference Securities
As of December 31, 2020, the amount of authorized and unissued stock is as follows:
CompanyType of StockPar ValueShares Authorized
DTE EnergyPreferred$— 5,000,000 
DTE ElectricPreferred$100 6,747,484 
DTE ElectricPreference$1 30,000,000 
DTE GasPreferred$1 7,000,000 
DTE GasPreference$1 4,000,000 
v3.20.4
Short-Term Credit Arrangements and Borrowings (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Short-term Debt [Abstract]  
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities
The availability under the facilities in place at December 31, 2020 is shown in the following table:
DTE EnergyDTE ElectricDTE GasTotal
(In millions)
Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in February 2021$150 $— $— $150 
Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in August 2021110 — — 110 
Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021— 200 — 200 
Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 202386 — — 86 
Unsecured revolving credit facility, expiring April 20241,500 500 300 2,300 
1,846 700 300 2,846 
Amounts outstanding at December 31, 2020
Letters of credit193 — — 193 
Revolver borrowings38 — — 38 
231 — — 231 
Net availability at December 31, 2020$1,615 $700 $300 $2,615 
v3.20.4
Leases (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]  
Components of Lease Cost and Other Information Related to Leases
The following is a summary of the components of lease cost for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Operating lease cost$39 $41 $14 $17 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets5 4 4 4 
Interest of lease liabilities— — — — 
Total finance lease cost5 4 4 4 
Variable lease cost10 10 — — 
Short-term lease cost12 10 6 3 
$66 $65 $24 $24 
The following is a summary of other information related to leases for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Supplemental Cash Flows Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of these liabilities:
Operating cash flows for finance leases$3 $5 $2 $5 
Operating cash flows for operating leases$40 $40 $14 $16 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$18 $68 $— $27 
Finance leases$19 $8 $14 $— 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (Years)
Operating leases9.39.710.410.6
Finance leases7.69.13.12.0
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases3.4 %3.5 %3.3 %3.3 %
Finance leases2.0 %3.1 %1.0 %3.1 %
Schedule of Maturities of Operating Leases
The Registrants' future minimum lease payments under leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Operating LeasesFinance LeasesOperating LeasesFinance Leases
(In millions)
2021$37 $8 $13 $6 
202231 8 12 6 
202322 8 10 6 
202413 2 8 1 
20258 1 6 — 
2026 and thereafter61 7 32 — 
Total future minimum lease payments172 34 81 19 
Imputed interest(28)(3)(14)— 
Lease liabilities$144 $31 $67 $19 
Schedule of Maturities of Finance Leases
The Registrants' future minimum lease payments under leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Operating LeasesFinance LeasesOperating LeasesFinance Leases
(In millions)
2021$37 $8 $13 $6 
202231 8 12 6 
202322 8 10 6 
202413 2 8 1 
20258 1 6 — 
2026 and thereafter61 7 32 — 
Total future minimum lease payments172 34 81 19 
Imputed interest(28)(3)(14)— 
Lease liabilities$144 $31 $67 $19 
Schedule of Finance Leases Reported on Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Finance leases reported on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are as follows for the years ended December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Right-of-use assets, within Property, plant, and equipment, net$29 $15 $16 $7 
Current lease liabilities, within Current Liabilities — Other$7 $4 $6 $3 
Long-term lease liabilities$24 $11 $13 $4 
Schedule of Lease Income Associated with Operating Leases
DTE Energy’s lease income associated with operating leases was as follows for the years ended December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Fixed payments(a)
$66 $65 
Variable payments(a)
124 128 
$190 $193 
_______________________________________
(a)Includes $108 million and $130 million of lease payments reported in Operating Revenues and $82 million and $63 million of lease payments reported in Other income on DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Schedule of Minimum Future Rental Revenues under Operating Leases
DTE Energy’s minimum future rental revenues under operating leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$62 
202222 
202322 
202422 
202519 
2026 and thereafter175 
$322 
Schedule of Property under Operating Leases
The following is a summary of property under operating leases for DTE Energy as of December 31:
20202019
(In millions)
Gross property under operating leases$447 $445 
Accumulated amortization of property under operating leases$197 $173 
Components of Net Investment in Finance Leases
The components of DTE Energy’s net investment in finance leases for remaining periods as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
DTE Energy
(In millions)
2021$24 
202220 
202319 
202419 
202519 
2026 and thereafter253 
Total minimum future lease receipts354 
Residual value of leased pipeline17 
Less unearned income193 
Net investment in finance lease178 
Less current portion9 
$169 
v3.20.4
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-term Purchase Commitments The Registrants estimate the following commitments from 2021 through 2051 for DTE Energy, and 2021 through 2051 for DTE Electric, as detailed in the following table:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
(In millions)
2021$2,998 $1,132 
20221,142 246 
2023804 226 
2024520 159 
2025397 209 
2026 and thereafter1,634 969 
$7,495 $2,941 
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures
The table below represents the pension and other postretirement benefit plans of each Registrant at December 31, 2020:
Registrants
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
Qualified Pension Plans
DTE Energy Company Retirement PlanXX
DTE Gas Company Retirement Plan for Employees Covered by Collective Bargaining AgreementsX
Shenango Inc. Pension Plan(a)
X
Non-qualified Pension Plans
DTE Energy Company Supplemental Retirement Plan(b)
XX
DTE Energy Company Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan(b)
XX
DTE Energy Company Supplemental Severance Benefit PlanX
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The DTE Energy Company Comprehensive Non-Health Welfare PlanXX
The DTE Energy Company Comprehensive Retiree Group Health Care PlanXX
DTE Supplemental Retiree Benefit PlanXX
DTE Energy Company Retiree Reimbursement Arrangement PlanXX
_____________________________________
(a)Sponsored by Shenango, LLC
(b)Sponsored by DTE Energy Company
Pension Plan  
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures
The following table reconciles the obligations, assets, and funded status of the plans as well as the amounts recognized as prepaid pension cost or pension liability in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31:
DTE Energy
20202019
(In millions)
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$5,843 $5,387 
Change in projected benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year$5,810 $5,124 
Service cost99 84 
Interest cost186 219 
Actuarial loss619 719 
Special termination benefits3 — 
Benefits paid(353)(336)
Settlements(60)— 
Projected benefit obligation, end of year$6,304 $5,810 
Change in plan assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$4,993 $4,273 
Actual return on plan assets815 888 
Company contributions102 168 
Benefits paid(353)(336)
Settlements(60)— 
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$5,497 $4,993 
Funded status$(807)$(817)
Amount recorded as:
Current liabilities$(10)$(9)
Noncurrent liabilities(797)(808)
$(807)$(817)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax
Net actuarial loss$142 $153 
Prior service cost3 4 
$145 $157 
Amounts recognized in Regulatory assets(a)
Net actuarial loss$1,949 $1,995 
Prior service credit(11)(12)
$1,938 $1,983 
______________________________________
(a)See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Regulatory Matters."
The following table provides contributions to the qualified pension plans in:
202020192018
(In millions)
DTE Energy$92 $150 $175 
DTE Electric$60 $100 $175 
DTE Energy's contributions of $92 million in 2020 included $82 million of common stock and $10 million of cash. Details of the contribution of common stock to the DTE Energy Company Affiliates Employee Benefit Plans Master Trust are as follows:
DateNumber of SharesPrice per ShareAmount
(In millions)
September 8, 2020694,444$118.08$82 
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs
Net pension cost for DTE Energy includes the following components:
202020192018
(In millions)
Service cost$99 $84 $99 
Interest cost186 219 202 
Expected return on plan assets(334)(325)(329)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss171 131 176 
Prior service cost1 1 — 
Settlements25 2 — 
Net pension cost$148 $112 $148 
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
20202019
(In millions)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net actuarial loss$137 $156 
Amortization of net actuarial loss(193)(133)
Amortization of prior service cost(1)(1)
Total recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)$(57)$22 
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost, Regulatory assets, and Other comprehensive income (loss)$91 $134 
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments
At December 31, 2020, the benefits related to DTE Energy's qualified and non-qualified pension plans expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter are as follows:
(In millions)
2021$352 
2022363 
2023368 
2024352 
2025360 
2026-20301,757 
Total$3,552 
Schedule of Assumptions Used
Assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligation and net pension costs of DTE Energy are:
202020192018
Projected benefit obligation
Discount rate2.57%3.28%4.40%
Rate of compensation increase3.80%3.85%3.85%
Cash balance interest crediting rate2.00%3.30%3.70%
Net pension costs
Discount rate3.28%4.40%3.70%
Rate of compensation increase3.85%3.85%3.85%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets7.10%7.30%7.50%
Cash balance interest crediting rate3.30%3.70%3.70%
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets
Target allocations for DTE Energy's pension plan assets as of December 31, 2020 are listed below:
U.S. Large Capitalization (Cap) Equity Securities18 %
U.S. Small Cap and Mid Cap Equity Securities3 
Non-U.S. Equity Securities16 
Fixed Income Securities38 
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments14 
Private Equity and Other11 
100 %
The following tables provide the fair value measurement amounts for DTE Energy's pension plan assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019(a):
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Level 1Level 2
Other(b)
TotalLevel 1Level 2
Other(b)
Total
DTE Energy asset category:(In millions)
Short-term Investments(c)
$92 $— $— $92 $99 $— $— $99 
Equity Securities
Domestic(d)
167 — 1,093 1,260 172 — 870 1,042 
International(e)
100 — 791 891 387 — 322 709 
Fixed Income Securities
Governmental(f)
459 95 — 554 569 — — 569 
Corporate(g)
— 1,404 — 1,404 — 1,452 — 1,452 
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments(h)
238 61 411 710 169 — 502 671 
Private Equity and Other(i)
— — 586 586 — — 451 451 
DTE Energy Total$1,056 $1,560 $2,881 $5,497 $1,396 $1,452 $2,145 $4,993 
_______________________________________
(a)For a description of levels within the fair value hierarchy, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Fair Value."
(b)Amounts represent assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.
(c)This category predominantly represents certain short-term fixed income securities and money market investments that are managed in separate accounts or commingled funds. Pricing for investments in this category are obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets.
(d)This category represents portfolios of large, medium and small capitalization domestic equities. Investments in this category include exchange-traded securities for which unadjusted quoted prices can be obtained and exchange-traded securities held in a commingled fund classified as NAV assets.
(e)This category primarily consists of portfolios of non-U.S. developed and emerging market equities. Investments in this category include exchange-traded securities for which unadjusted quoted prices can be obtained and exchange-traded securities held in a commingled fund classified as NAV assets.
(f)This category includes U.S. Treasuries, bonds, and other governmental debt. Pricing for investments in this category is obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets and quotations from broker or pricing services.
(g)This category primarily consists of corporate bonds from diversified industries, bank loans, and mortgage backed securities. Pricing for investments in this category is obtained from quotations from broker or pricing services.
(h)This category utilizes a diversified group of strategies that attempt to capture financial market inefficiencies and includes publicly traded mutual funds, commingled funds and limited partnership funds. Pricing for mutual funds in this category is obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets. Commingled funds and limited partnership funds are classified as NAV assets.
(i)This category includes a diversified group of funds and strategies that primarily invests in private equity partnerships. This category also includes investments in real estate and private debt. All pricing for investments in this category are classified as NAV assets.
Other postretirement benefit plan  
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures
The following table reconciles the obligations, assets, and funded status of the plans including amounts recorded as Accrued postretirement liability in the Registrants' Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, beginning of year$1,751 $1,645 $1,337 $1,247 
Service cost26 22 20 16 
Interest cost56 70 43 53 
Plan amendments— (53)— (33)
Actuarial loss54 153 31 118 
Benefits paid(80)(86)(62)(64)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, end of year$1,807 $1,751 $1,369 $1,337 
Change in plan assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$1,819 $1,689 $1,236 $1,158 
Actual return on plan assets220 215 145 141 
Benefits paid(79)(85)(61)(63)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$1,960 $1,819 $1,320 $1,236 
Funded status$153 $68 $(49)$(101)
Amount recorded as:(a)
Noncurrent assets$561 $454 $335 $266 
Current liabilities(1)(1)— — 
Noncurrent liabilities(407)(385)(384)(367)
$153 $68 $(49)$(101)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax
Net actuarial gain$(7)$(8)$— $— 
$(7)$(8)$— $— 
Amounts recognized in Regulatory assets(b)
Net actuarial loss$234 $289 $156 $193 
Prior service credit(69)(88)(48)(62)
$165 $201 $108 $131 
______________________________________
(a)Prior year balances for DTE Energy were recast to be consistent with the current year gross presentation of Noncurrent assets and Noncurrent liabilities.
(b)See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Regulatory Matters."
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs
Net other postretirement credit for DTE Energy includes the following components:
202020192018
(In millions)
Service cost$26 $22 $27 
Interest cost56 70 69 
Expected return on plan assets(128)(96)(143)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss16 12 11 
Prior service credit(19)(9)— 
Net other postretirement credit$(49)$(1)$(36)
Net other postretirement credit for DTE Electric includes the following components:
202020192018
(In millions)
Service cost$20 $16 $20 
Interest cost43 53 53 
Expected return on plan assets(87)(65)(98)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss11 5 8 
Prior service credit(14)(7)— 
Net other postretirement cost (credit)$(27)$2 $(17)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
20202019
(In millions)
Other changes in plan assets and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net actuarial (gain) loss$(38)$34 
Amortization of net actuarial loss(16)(12)
Prior service credit— (53)
Amortization of prior service credit19 9 
Total recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)$(35)$(22)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost, Regulatory assets, and Other comprehensive income (loss)$(84)$(23)
20202019
(In millions)
Other changes in plan assets and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation recognized in Regulatory assets
Net actuarial (gain) loss$(26)$41 
Amortization of net actuarial loss(11)(5)
Prior service credit— (33)
Amortization of prior service credit14 7 
Total recognized in Regulatory assets$(23)$10 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and Regulatory assets$(50)$12 
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments
At December 31, 2020, the benefits expected to be paid, including prescription drug benefits, in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter for the Registrants are as follows:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
(In millions)
2021$82 $62 
202287 66 
202391 69 
202492 70 
202595 72 
2026-2030497 376 
Total$944 $715 
Schedule of Assumptions Used
Assumptions used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and net other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrants are:
202020192018
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
Discount rate2.58%3.29%4.40%
Health care trend rate pre- and post- 65
6.75 / 7.25%
6.75 / 7.25%
6.75 / 7.25%
Ultimate health care trend rate4.50%4.50%4.50%
Year in which ultimate reached pre- and post- 65203320322031
Other postretirement benefit costs
Discount rate3.29%4.40%3.70%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets7.20%7.30%7.75%
Health care trend rate pre- and post- 65
6.75 / 7.25%
6.75 / 7.25%
6.75 / 7.25%
Ultimate health care trend rate4.50%4.50%4.50%
Year in which ultimate reached pre- and post- 65203220312030
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets
Target allocations for the Registrants' other postretirement benefit plan assets as of December 31, 2020 are listed below:
U.S. Large Cap Equity Securities11 %
U.S. Small Cap and Mid Cap Equity Securities2 
Non-U.S. Equity Securities10 
Fixed Income Securities52 
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments11 
Private Equity and Other14 
100 %
The following tables provide the fair value measurement amounts for the Registrants' other postretirement benefit plan assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019(a):
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Level 1Level 2
Other(b)
TotalLevel 1Level 2
Other(b)
Total
(In millions)
DTE Energy asset category:
Short-term Investments(c)
$21 $— $— $21 $80 $— $— $80 
Equity Securities
Domestic(d)
51 — 200 251 51 — 273 324 
International(e)
23 — 178 201 182 — 89 271 
Fixed Income Securities
Governmental(f)
40 45 — 85 74 — — 74 
Corporate(g)
— 477 379 856 — 256 251 507 
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments(h)
61 17 124 202 71 — 182 253 
Private Equity and Other(i)
— — 344 344 — — 310 310 
DTE Energy Total$196 $539 $1,225 $1,960 $458 $256 $1,105 $1,819 
DTE Electric asset category:
Short-term Investments(c)
$14 $— $— $14 $55 $— $— $55 
Equity Securities
Domestic(d)
33 — 131 164 34 — 185 219 
International(e)
16 — 117 133 124 — 60 184 
Fixed Income Securities
Governmental(f)
24 31 — 55 48 — — 48 
Corporate(g)
— 321 263 584 — 168 176 344 
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments(h)
41 11 83 135 49 — 123 172 
Private Equity and Other(i)
— — 235 235 — — 214 214 
DTE Electric Total$128 $363 $829 $1,320 $310 $168 $758 $1,236 
_______________________________________
(a)For a description of levels within the fair value hierarchy see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Fair Value."
(b)Amounts represent assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.
(c)This category predominantly represents certain short-term fixed income securities and money market investments that are managed in separate accounts or commingled funds. Pricing for investments in this category are obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets.
(d)This category represents portfolios of large, medium and small capitalization domestic equities. Investments in this category include exchange-traded securities for which unadjusted quoted prices can be obtained and exchange-traded securities held in a commingled fund classified as NAV assets.
(e)This category primarily consists of portfolios of non-U.S. developed and emerging market equities. Investments in this category include exchange-traded securities for which unadjusted quoted prices can be obtained and exchange-traded securities held in a commingled fund classified as NAV assets.
(f)This category includes U.S. Treasuries, bonds and other governmental debt. Pricing for investments in this category is obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets and quotations from broker or pricing services.
(g)This category primarily consists of corporate bonds from diversified industries, bank loans, and mortgage backed securities. Pricing for investments in this category is obtained from quotations from broker or pricing services. Non-exchange traded securities and exchange-traded securities held in commingled funds are classified as NAV assets.
(h)This category utilizes a diversified group of strategies that attempt to capture financial market inefficiencies and includes publicly traded mutual funds, commingled funds and limited partnership funds. Pricing for mutual funds in this category is obtained from quoted prices in actively traded markets. Commingled funds and limited partnership funds are classified as NAV assets.
(i)This category includes a diversified group of funds and strategies that primarily invests in private equity partnerships. This category also includes investments in real estate and private debt. All investments in this category are classified as NAV assets.
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets
The following table reflects other postretirement benefit plans with accumulated postretirement benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31:
DTE EnergyDTE Electric
2020201920202019
(In millions)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation$878 $840 $826 $795 
Fair value of plan assets470 454 442 428 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of plan assets$408 $386 $384 $367 
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Stock-Based Compensation
The following table summarizes the components of stock-based compensation for DTE Energy:
202020192018
(In millions)
Stock-based compensation expense$63 $71 $64 
Tax benefit$12 $13 $13 
Stock-based compensation cost capitalized in Property, plant, and equipment(a)
$— $16 $11 
_______________________________________
(a)In DTE Electric's May 2020 rate order, the MPSC disallowed certain capital expenditures related to incentive compensation. Therefore, beginning in 2020, no stock-based compensation cost will be capitalized in Property, plant, and equipment. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Regulatory Matters," for further information.
Schedule of Activity Relating to Performance Share Awards
DTE Energy recorded activity relating to performance share awards as follows:
202020192018
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted (per share)$129.68 $115.85 $105.64 
Awards settled in cash(a)
$21 $19 $13 
Awards settled in stock(a)
$53 $79 $39 
Compensation expense$50 $60 $53 
_______________________________________
(a)Sum of awards settled in cash and stock approximates the intrinsic value of the awards.
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation, Performance Shares Activity Rollforward
The following table summarizes DTE Energy’s performance share activity for the period ended December 31, 2020:
Performance SharesWeighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Balance at December 31, 20191,226,031 $107.35 
Grants383,813 $129.68 
Forfeitures(43,768)$116.94 
Payouts(438,639)$99.22 
Balance at December 31, 20201,127,437 $117.06 
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Non-Vested Awards
As of December 31, 2020, DTE Energy's total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock incentive plan arrangements and the weighted average recognition period was as follows:
Unrecognized
Compensation
Cost		Weighted Average
to be Recognized
(In millions)(In years)
Stock awards$19 1.60
Performance shares49 1.04
$68 1.19
v3.20.4
Segment and Related Information (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Financial Data of Business Segments
Inter-segment billing for goods and services exchanged between segments is based upon tariffed or market-based prices of the provider and primarily consists of the sale of reduced emissions fuel, power sales, and natural gas sales in the following segments:
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
(In millions)
Electric(a)
$61 $56 $52 
Gas16 12 12 
Gas Storage and Pipelines26 27 36 
Power and Industrial Projects464 596 642 
Energy Trading31 22 27 
Corporate and Other2 2 2 
$600 $715 $771 
_______________________________________
(a)Inter-segment billing for the Electric segment includes $2 million relating to Non-utility operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Financial data of DTE Energy's business segments follows:
ElectricGasGas Storage and PipelinesPower and Industrial ProjectsEnergy TradingCorporate and OtherReclassifications
and
Eliminations		Total
(In millions)
2020
Operating Revenues — Utility operations$5,506 1,414 — — — — (75)$6,845 
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations$14 — 754 1,224 3,863 2 (525)$5,332 
Depreciation and amortization$1,057 157 151 72 5 1 — $1,443 
Interest expense$337 80 113 37 6 331 (184)$720 
Interest income$(4)(5)(9)(22)(2)(180)184 $(38)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees$— 1 106 17 — 8 — $132 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)$108 48 116 (40)12 (77)— $167 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company$777 186 315 134 36 (80)— $1,368 
Investment in equity method investees$6 12 1,691 125 — 34 — $1,868 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions$2,701 574 517 186 5 — — $3,983 
Goodwill$1,208 743 472 26 17 — — $2,466 
Total Assets$26,588 6,339 5,068 696 807 8,071 (2,073)$45,496 
ElectricGasGas Storage and PipelinesPower and Industrial ProjectsEnergy TradingCorporate and OtherReclassifications
and
Eliminations		Total
(In millions)
2019
Operating Revenues — Utility operations$5,224 1,482 — — — — (68)$6,638 
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations$5 — 501 1,560 4,610 2 (647)$6,031 
Depreciation and amortization$949 144 94 69 6 1 — $1,263 
Interest expense$315 78 73 33 8 266 (132)$641 
Interest income$(2)(6)(8)(9)(4)(120)132 $(17)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees$1 2 97 14 — (3)— $111 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)$137 62 74 (63)17 (75)— $152 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company$714 185 204 133 49 (116)— $1,169 
Investment in equity method investees$5 11 1,685 130 — 31 — $1,862 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions$2,368 530 2,510 54 5 — — $5,467 
Goodwill$1,208 743 470 26 17 — — $2,464 
Total Assets$24,617 5,717 4,832 537 798 7,610 (1,843)$42,268 
ElectricGasGas Storage and PipelinesPower and Industrial ProjectsEnergy TradingCorporate and OtherReclassifications
and
Eliminations		Total
(In millions)
2018
Operating Revenues — Utility operations$5,298 1,436 — — — — (64)$6,670 
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations$— — 485 2,204 5,557 3 (707)$7,542 
Depreciation and amortization$836 133 82 67 5 1 — $1,124 
Interest expense$283 70 68 31 6 220 (119)$559 
Interest income$— (6)(9)(9)(3)(104)119 $(12)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees$— 2 123 3 — 4 — $132 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)$193 67 68 (195)13 (48)— $98 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company$664 150 235 161 39 (129)— $1,120 
Investment in equity method investees$7 12 1,585 134 — 33 — $1,771 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions$1,979 460 176 91 5 2 — $2,713 
Goodwill$1,208 743 299 26 17 — — $2,293 
Total Assets$22,501 5,378 3,161 495 909 6,153 (2,309)$36,288 
v3.20.4
Related Party Transactions (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Summary of Related Party Transactions
The following table summarizes the amounts resulting from these transactions included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31:
202020192018
(In millions)
Operating Revenues — Utility operations
DTE Gas$32 $32 $6 
Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility
DTE Electric$8 $8 $1 
DTE Gas$21 $22 $1 
Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility
DTE Energy Trading$27 $13 $1 
The following is a summary of DTE Electric's transactions with affiliated companies:
202020192018
(In millions)
Revenues and Other Income
Energy sales$8 $10 $9 
Other services$2 $5 $4 
Shared capital assets$51 $47 $43 
Costs
Fuel and purchased power$16 $9 $7 
Other services and interest$1 $23 $33 
Corporate expenses$367 $372 $377 
Other
Dividends declared$539 $494 $461 
Dividends paid$539 $494 $461 
Capital contribution from DTE Energy$636 $180 $325 
See the following notes for other related party transactions impacting DTE Electric’s Consolidated Financial Statements:
NoteTitle
1Organization and Basis of Presentation
21Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets
22Stock-Based Compensation
v3.20.4
Supplementary Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited ) (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information
DTE Energy
The sum of quarterly earnings per share may not equal year-end amounts, since quarterly computations are based on weighted average common shares outstanding during each quarter.
First
Quarter		Second
Quarter		Third
Quarter		Fourth
Quarter		Year
(In millions, except per share amounts)
2020
Operating Revenues$3,022 $2,583 $3,284 $3,288 $12,177 
Operating Income$546 $367 $608 $465 $1,986 
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company$340 $277 $476 $275 $1,368 
Basic Earnings per Share$1.77 $1.44 $2.47 $1.42 $7.09 
Diluted Earnings per Share$1.76 $1.44 $2.46 $1.42 $7.08 
2019
Operating Revenues$3,514 $2,888 $3,119 $3,148 $12,669 
Operating Income$542 $300 $450 $415 $1,707 
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company$401 $182 $319 $267 $1,169 
Basic Earnings per Share$2.20 $0.99 $1.74 $1.40 $6.32 
Diluted Earnings per Share$2.19 $0.99 $1.73 $1.40 $6.31 
DTE Electric
First
Quarter		Second
Quarter		Third
Quarter		Fourth
Quarter		Year
(In millions)
2020
Operating Revenues$1,212 $1,309 $1,690 $1,295 $5,506 
Operating Income$214 $263 $541 $206 $1,224 
Net Income$94 $183 $400 $101 $778 
2019
Operating Revenues$1,235 $1,190 $1,519 $1,280 $5,224 
Operating Income$226 $223 $440 $224 $1,113 
Net Income$147 $133 $307 $129 $716 
v3.20.4
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details Textuals)
customer in Millions, $ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
customer
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]    
Number of electric utility customers | customer 2.2  
Number of gas utility customers | customer 1.3  
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]    
Material potential exposure $ 0  
Amount in excess of carrying amount 80 $ 74
Undistributed earnings from equity method investees 109 $ 129
DTE Electric    
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]    
Material potential exposure $ 0  
NEXUS Pipeline    
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]    
Ownership interest 50.00%  
SGG | Midstream Natural Gas Assets    
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]    
Percentage of voting interests acquired 85.00%  
v3.20.4
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Consolidated Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 8 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 93 $ 514 $ 93  
Accounts receivable 1,642 1,665 1,642  
Property, plant, and equipment, net 25,317 27,969 25,317  
Goodwill 2,464 2,466 2,464 $ 2,293
Intangible assets 2,378 2,328 2,378  
Total Assets 42,268 45,496 42,268 $ 36,288
LIABILITIES        
Short-term borrowings 828 38 828  
Total        
ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents 27 54 27  
Accounts receivable 27 36 27  
Inventories 74 107 74  
Property, plant, and equipment, net 443 425 443  
Goodwill 25 25 25  
Intangible assets 542 527 542  
Other current and long-term assets 2 35 2  
Total Assets 1,140 1,209 1,140  
LIABILITIES        
Accounts payable and accrued current liabilities 15 22 15  
Short-term borrowings 0 38 0  
Other current and long-term liabilities 14 11 14  
Total liabilities 29 71 29  
SGG        
ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents 16 34 16  
Accounts receivable 8 8 8  
Inventories 0 0 0  
Property, plant, and equipment, net 410 402 410  
Goodwill 25 25 25  
Intangible assets 542 527 542  
Other current and long-term assets 2 2 2  
Total Assets 1,003 998 1,003  
LIABILITIES        
Accounts payable and accrued current liabilities 2 0 2  
Short-term borrowings 0 0 0  
Other current and long-term liabilities 7 7 7  
Total liabilities $ 9 $ 7 $ 9  
VIE ownership and non-ownership percentage   100.00% 100.00%  
VIE ownership percentage 85.00% 85.00%    
Other        
ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 11 $ 20 $ 11  
Accounts receivable 19 28 19  
Inventories 74 107 74  
Property, plant, and equipment, net 33 23 33  
Goodwill 0 0 0  
Intangible assets 0 0 0  
Other current and long-term assets 0 33 0  
Total Assets 137 211 137  
LIABILITIES        
Accounts payable and accrued current liabilities 13 22 13  
Short-term borrowings 0 38 0  
Other current and long-term liabilities 7 4 7  
Total liabilities $ 20 $ 64 $ 20  
v3.20.4
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Non-Consolidated Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]      
Investments in equity method investees $ 1,868 $ 1,862 $ 1,771
Notes receivable 280 202  
Variable interest entity, nonconsolidated      
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]      
Investments in equity method investees 1,507 1,503  
Notes receivable 47 21  
Future funding commitments $ 26 $ 63  
v3.20.4
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Equity Method Investees) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Investments $ 1,868 $ 1,862 $ 1,771
NEXUS Pipeline      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
% Owned 50.00%    
Gas Storage and Pipelines      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Investments $ 1,691 1,685  
Gas Storage and Pipelines | NEXUS Pipeline      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Investments $ 1,349 $ 1,345  
% Owned 50.00% 50.00%  
Gas Storage and Pipelines | Vector Pipeline      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Investments $ 134 $ 131  
% Owned 40.00% 40.00%  
Gas Storage and Pipelines | Millennium Pipeline      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Investments $ 208 $ 209  
% Owned 26.00% 26.00%  
Other Segments      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Investments $ 177 $ 177  
v3.20.4
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Summarized Balance Sheet Data) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Current Assets $ 3,498 $ 3,086
Current Liabilities 2,691 3,997
Equity method investment, nonconsolidated investee or group of investees    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Current Assets 351 374
Non-current assets 5,235 5,260
Current Liabilities 319 414
Non-current liabilities $ 686 $ 698
v3.20.4
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Summarized Income Statement Data) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Sep. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues $ 3,288 $ 3,284 $ 2,583 $ 3,022 $ 3,148 $ 3,119 $ 2,888 $ 3,514 $ 12,177 $ 12,669 $ 14,212
Operating Expenses                 10,191 10,962 12,618
Net Income                 1,371 1,172 1,118
Equity method investment, nonconsolidated investee or group of investees                      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 1,227 1,210 883
Operating Expenses                 847 853 622
Net Income                 $ 395 $ 313 $ 365
v3.20.4
Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Other Income) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income, by Component [Line Items]      
Income from REF entities $ 139 $ 130 $ 98
Equity in earnings of equity method investees 132 111 132
Gains from rabbi trust securities 28 37 6
Contract services 28 29 51
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 25 24 28
Gas Storage and Pipelines post-acquisition settlement 20 0 0
Other 16 19 18
Other income 388 350 333
DTE Electric      
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income, by Component [Line Items]      
Gains from rabbi trust securities 28 37 6
Contract services 28 32 51
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 23 22 19
Other 8 16 7
Other income $ 87 $ 107 $ 83
v3.20.4
Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textuals) - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Reclassification of stranded tax effects resulting from the TCJA   $ 0  
Unbilled revenues $ 1,665,000,000 1,642,000,000  
Specific review of probable future collections based on receivable balances, threshold duration 30 days    
Uncollectible expense adjusted for regulatory deferrals $ 103,000,000 111,000,000 $ 140,000,000
Past due financing receivables 0    
Intangible assets amortization expense 71,000,000 33,000,000 27,000,000
Excise and sales taxes net impact on statement of operations 0    
Charitable contributions 20,000,000 0 22,000,000
Retained Earnings      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Reclassification of stranded tax effects resulting from the TCJA   25,000,000  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Reclassification of stranded tax effects resulting from the TCJA   (25,000,000)  
Natural gas inventory      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
LIFO inventory amount 40,000,000 40,000,000  
Excess of replacement costs over stated LIFO value $ 62,000,000 49,000,000  
Minimum      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Notes receivable considered delinquent period 60 days    
Maximum      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Notes receivable considered delinquent period 120 days    
DTE Electric and DTE Gas      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Receivables due date 21 days    
Threshold period past due for write-off of trade accounts receivable 150 days    
DTE Electric      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Unbilled revenues $ 763,000,000 729,000,000  
Uncollectible expense adjusted for regulatory deferrals 62,000,000 65,000,000 $ 85,000,000
DTE Gas | COVID-19 Pandemic      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Uncollectible expense deferred as a Regulatory asset 2,000,000    
Unbilled revenues      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Unbilled revenues 944,000,000 855,000,000  
Unbilled revenues | DTE Electric      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Unbilled revenues $ 260,000,000 $ 263,000,000  
v3.20.4
Significant Accounting Policies (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 11,836 $ 10,717 $ 9,990
Other comprehensive income (loss) 11 (3) 5
Implementation of ASU 2018-02   0  
Ending balance 12,589 11,836 10,717
AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (148) (120)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (4) (20)  
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 15 17  
Other comprehensive income (loss) 11 (3)  
Implementation of ASU 2018-02   (25)  
Ending balance (137) (148) (120)
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance   (11)  
Ending balance     (11)
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (25)    
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (3) (14)  
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 5 2  
Other comprehensive income (loss) 2 (12)  
Implementation of ASU 2018-02   (2)  
Ending balance (23) (25)  
Benefit Obligations      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (117) (102)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (2) (7)  
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 10 15  
Other comprehensive income (loss) 8 8  
Implementation of ASU 2018-02   (23)  
Ending balance (109) (117) (102)
Foreign Currency Translation      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (6) (7)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 1 1  
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 0 0  
Other comprehensive income (loss) 1 1  
Implementation of ASU 2018-02   0  
Ending balance $ (5) $ (6) $ (7)
v3.20.4
Significant Accounting Policies (Financing Receivables Classified by Internal Grade of Credit Risk) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Notes receivable  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
2020 $ 68
2019 57
2018 and prior 16
Total 141
Notes receivable | DTE Electric  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
Total 16
Notes receivable | Internal grade 1  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
2020 0
2019 14
2018 and prior 10
Total 24
Notes receivable | Internal grade 1 | DTE Electric  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
Total 14
Notes receivable | Internal grade 2  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
2020 68
2019 43
2018 and prior 6
Total 117
Notes receivable | Internal grade 2 | DTE Electric  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
Total 2
Net investment in leases  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
2020 137
2019 0
2018 and prior 40
Total 177
Net investment in leases | DTE Electric  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
Total 0
Net investment in leases | Internal grade 1  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
2020 6
2019 0
2018 and prior 39
Total 45
Net investment in leases | Internal grade 1 | DTE Electric  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
Total 0
Net investment in leases | Internal grade 2  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
2020 131
2019 0
2018 and prior 1
Total 132
Net investment in leases | Internal grade 2 | DTE Electric  
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]  
Total $ 0
v3.20.4
Significant Accounting Policies (Roll-Forward of Activity for Financing Receivables Credit Loss Reserves) (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance $ 91
Current period provision 103
Write-offs charged against allowance (140)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 50
Ending balance 104
DTE Electric  
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance 46
Current period provision 61
Write-offs charged against allowance (80)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 30
Ending balance 57
Trade accounts receivable  
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance 87
Current period provision 100
Write-offs charged against allowance (136)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 50
Ending balance 101
Other receivables  
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance 4
Current period provision 3
Write-offs charged against allowance (4)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 0
Ending balance $ 3
v3.20.4
Significant Accounting Policies (Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying value $ 2,541 $ 2,520
Accumulated Amortization (213) (142)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying value 2,328 2,378
Intangible assets, gross carrying value 2,552 2,535
Intangible assets, net carrying value 2,339 2,393
DTE Electric    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Intangible assets, net carrying value 11 15
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets 11 15
DTE Electric renewable energy credits | DTE Electric    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets 8 15
DTE Electric zonal resource credits | DTE Electric    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets 3 0
Customer relationships    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying value 2,252 2,252
Accumulated Amortization (121) (66)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying value $ 2,131 2,186
Customer relationships | Minimum    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Useful Lives 25 years  
Customer relationships | Maximum    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Useful Lives 40 years  
Contract intangibles    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying value $ 289 268
Accumulated Amortization (92) (76)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying value $ 197 $ 192
Contract intangibles | Minimum    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Useful Lives 6 years  
Contract intangibles | Maximum    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Useful Lives 26 years  
v3.20.4
Significant Accounting Policies (Future Amortization Expense Intangible Assets) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Estimated amortization expense  
2021 $ 73
2022 73
2023 73
2024 73
2025 $ 73
v3.20.4
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details Textuals)
$ in Millions
 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jul. 27, 2020
USD ($)
installment
Feb. 18, 2020
USD ($)
MW
Dec. 04, 2019
USD ($)
Sep. 12, 2019
USD ($)
MW
Jan. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations             $ 5,332 $ 6,031 $ 7,542
Net Income             $ 1,371 1,172 $ 1,118
Contract intangibles | Minimum                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Intangible assets, amortization period             6 years    
Contract intangibles | Maximum                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Intangible assets, amortization period             26 years    
Customer relationships | Minimum                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Intangible assets, amortization period             25 years    
Customer relationships | Maximum                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Intangible assets, amortization period             40 years    
South Jersey Industries, Combined Heat and Power Generation Facility | Power and Industrial Projects                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Amount of power associated with purchase of renewable energy project | MW   8              
Consideration paid for entity acquired, paid in cash   $ 95              
South Jersey Industries, Combined Heat and Power Generation Facility | Power and Industrial Projects | Contract intangibles                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Intangible assets, amortization period   13 years              
Intangible assets recorded as a result of acquisition   $ 17              
Heritage Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy Project | Electric | DTE Sustainable Generation                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Amount of power associated with purchase of renewable energy project | MW       89          
Consideration paid for entity acquired, paid in cash       $ 175          
Heritage Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy Project | Electric | DTE Sustainable Generation | Contract intangibles                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Intangible assets recorded as a result of acquisition       $ 109          
Heritage Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy Project | Electric | DTE Sustainable Generation | Contract intangibles | Minimum                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Intangible assets, amortization period       11 years          
Heritage Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy Project | Electric | DTE Sustainable Generation | Contract intangibles | Maximum                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Intangible assets, amortization period       13 years          
Heritage Sustainable Energy, Additional Renewable Energy Project | Electric | DTE Sustainable Generation                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Consideration paid for entity acquired, paid in cash         $ 33        
Blue Union and LEAP | Gas Storage and Pipelines                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Consideration paid for entity acquired, paid in cash     $ 2,360            
Percent of assets acquired     100.00%            
Total consideration provided for acquired entity     $ 2,740            
Contingent consideration to be paid upon completion     $ 380            
Accretion expense related to liability for contingent consideration payment           $ 1 $ 5    
Payment of consideration upon achievement of final milestone $ 385                
Number of equal payment installments made upon achievement of final milestone | installment 2                
Goodwill, working capital adjustments             $ 2    
Direct transaction costs incurred           18   18  
Issuance costs related to acquisition financing           49   49  
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations           15      
Net Income           3      
Blue Union and LEAP | Gas Storage and Pipelines | Mortgage bonds, notes, and other                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Issuance costs related to acquisition financing           10   10  
Blue Union and LEAP | Gas Storage and Pipelines | Common Stock                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Issuance costs related to acquisition financing           $ 39   $ 39  
Blue Union and LEAP | Gas Storage and Pipelines | Customer relationships                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Intangible assets, amortization period     40 years            
Intangible assets recorded as a result of acquisition     $ 1,473            
Existing intangible asset weighted-average amortization life     13 years            
v3.20.4
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Purchase Price Allocation - Power and Industrial Segment Acquisition) (Details) - South Jersey Industries, Combined Heat and Power Generation Facility - Power and Industrial Projects
$ in Millions
Feb. 18, 2020
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 76
Working capital 2
Total 95
Contract intangibles  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Contract intangibles $ 17
v3.20.4
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Purchase Price Allocation - Electric Segment Acquisition) (Details) - DTE Sustainable Generation - Electric - Heritage Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy Project
$ in Millions
Sep. 12, 2019
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 60
Working capital 6
Total 175
Contract intangibles  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Contract intangibles $ 109
v3.20.4
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Purchase Price Allocation - Gas Storage and Pipelines Segment Acquisition) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 04, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Assets        
Goodwill $ 2,466 $ 2,464   $ 2,293
Gas Storage and Pipelines | Blue Union and LEAP        
Assets        
Cash     $ 62  
Accounts receivable     31  
Property, plant, and equipment, net     1,034  
Goodwill     173  
Other current assets     1  
Total assets     2,774  
Liabilities        
Accounts payable     26  
Acquisition related deferred payment     380  
Other current liabilities     2  
Asset retirement obligations     9  
Total liabilities     417  
Total cash consideration     2,357  
Gas Storage and Pipelines | Customer relationships | Blue Union and LEAP        
Assets        
Customer relationship intangibles     $ 1,473  
v3.20.4
Revenue (Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Sep. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues $ 3,288 $ 3,284 $ 2,583 $ 3,022 $ 3,148 $ 3,119 $ 2,888 $ 3,514 $ 12,177 $ 12,669 $ 14,212
Lease revenue outside scope of Topic 606                 190 193  
Electric                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 5,520 5,229 5,298
Alternative Revenue Program revenues outside scope of Topic 606                 26 22 21
Other revenues outside scope of topic 606                 22 19 20
Electric | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 2,825 2,427 2,494
Electric | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 1,739 1,795 1,794
Electric | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 592 659 690
Electric | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 364 348 320
Electric | Other | DTE Sustainable Generation                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 14 5  
Gas                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 1,414 1,482 1,436
Alternative Revenue Program revenues outside scope of Topic 606                 10 8 2
Other revenues outside scope of topic 606                 8 7 7
Gas | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 146 142 91
Gas | Gas sales                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 971 1,043 1,055
Gas | End User Transportation                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 218 219 232
Gas | Intermediate Transportation                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 79 78 58
Gas Storage and Pipelines                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 754 501 485
Lease revenue outside scope of Topic 606                 9 9  
Power and Industrial Projects                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 1,224 1,560 2,204
Lease revenue outside scope of Topic 606                 99 121  
Lease revenue outside scope of Topic 606                     125
Energy Trading                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues                 3,863 4,610 5,557
Gain (loss) on derivative outside scope of Topic 606                 $ 2,700 $ 3,400 $ 4,500
v3.20.4
Revenue (Details Textuals)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Power and Industrial Projects  
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]  
Payment terms 30 days
v3.20.4
Revenue (Deferred Revenue) (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Contract Liability [Roll Forward]  
Beginning Balance $ 75
Increases due to cash received or receivable, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 55
Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period (43)
Ending Balance $ 87
v3.20.4
Revenue (Expected Recognition of Deferred Revenue) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 87
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 59
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 7
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 3
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 3
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 7
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 8
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction
v3.20.4
Revenue (Expected Recognition of Deferred Revenue for fixed consideration) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 87
Fixed Consideration  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation 1,643
Fixed Consideration | DTE Electric  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation 30
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 59
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01 | Fixed Consideration  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 285
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01 | Fixed Consideration | DTE Electric  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 8
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 7
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01 | Fixed Consideration  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 323
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01 | Fixed Consideration | DTE Electric  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 7
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 3
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01 | Fixed Consideration  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 263
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01 | Fixed Consideration | DTE Electric  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 7
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 3
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01 | Fixed Consideration  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 158
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01 | Fixed Consideration | DTE Electric  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 7
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 7
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01 | Fixed Consideration  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 113
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01 | Fixed Consideration | DTE Electric  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 1
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 8
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01 | Fixed Consideration  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 501
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01 | Fixed Consideration | DTE Electric  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 0
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction
v3.20.4
Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Balance as of January 1 $ 2,464 $ 2,293
Goodwill attributable to Gas Storage and Pipelines 2019 acquisition of Blue Union and LEAP 2 171
Balance at December 31 $ 2,466 $ 2,464
v3.20.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment (Summary of Property by Classification) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment $ 37,997 $ 35,072
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (10,028) (9,755)
Net property, plant, and equipment 27,969 25,317
Gas Storage and Pipelines    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 3,981 3,524
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (511) (459)
Power and Industrial Projects    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 1,194 1,108
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (619) (604)
Other    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 217 183
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (84) (71)
Non-utility and other    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 5,392 4,815
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,214) (1,134)
DTE Electric    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 26,171 24,279
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,050) (6,706)
Net property, plant, and equipment 19,121 17,573
DTE Electric | Nuclear    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 3,295 3,022
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (373) (344)
DTE Electric | Renewables    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 1,817 1,362
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (295) (243)
DTE Electric | Fossil and other generation    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 8,031 7,644
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (3,014) (2,873)
DTE Electric | Distribution    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 10,354 9,715
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,686) (2,553)
DTE Electric | Other    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 2,674 2,536
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (682) (693)
DTE Gas    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 6,434 5,978
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,764) (1,915)
DTE Gas | Distribution    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 4,517 4,164
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,215) (1,334)
DTE Gas | Storage    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 576 570
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (146) (172)
DTE Gas | Transmission and other    
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant, and equipment 1,341 1,244
Accumulated depreciation and amortization $ (403) $ (409)
v3.20.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment (Schedule of AFUDC and Capitalized Interest Rates (Details)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Non-regulated businesses capitalized interest 3.90% 4.00% 4.00%
DTE Electric      
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
AFUDC 5.47% 5.43% 5.41%
DTE Gas      
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
AFUDC 5.56% 5.56% 5.71%
v3.20.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment (Schedule of AFUDC and Interest Capitalized) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]      
Allowance for debt funds used during construction and interest capitalized $ 22 $ 15 $ 15
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 25 24 28
Total 47 39 43
DTE Electric      
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Allowance for debt funds used during construction 10 10 9
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 23 22 19
Total $ 33 $ 32 $ 28
v3.20.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details Textuals)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Minimum | Non-utility      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property plant and equipment, useful life 3 years    
Minimum | Capitalized software      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property plant and equipment, useful life 3 years    
Maximum | Non-utility      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property plant and equipment, useful life 70 years    
Maximum | Capitalized software      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property plant and equipment, useful life 15 years    
DTE Electric | Minimum | Other      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property plant and equipment, useful life 3 years    
DTE Electric | Minimum | Capitalized software      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property plant and equipment, useful life 3 years    
DTE Electric | Maximum | Other      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property plant and equipment, useful life 80 years    
DTE Electric | Maximum | Capitalized software      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property plant and equipment, useful life 15 years    
DTE Gas | Minimum | Transmission and other      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property plant and equipment, useful life 3 years    
DTE Gas | Maximum | Transmission and other      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property plant and equipment, useful life 80 years    
DTE Electric      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Composite depreciation rate for plants in service 4.20% 4.00% 3.70%
DTE Gas      
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Composite depreciation rate for plants in service 2.80% 2.80% 2.80%
v3.20.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment (Average Estimated Useful Life of Each Major Class) (Details)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
DTE Electric  
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful Life - Generation 32 years
Useful Life - Distribution 38 years
DTE Gas  
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful Life - Distribution 49 years
Useful Life - Storage 58 years
v3.20.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment (Depreciation and Amortization) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant, and equipment $ 1,120 $ 997 $ 878
Regulatory assets and liabilities 245 227 212
Intangible assets 71 33 27
Other 7 6 7
Depreciation and amortization 1,443 1,263 1,124
DTE Electric      
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant, and equipment 831 748 652
Regulatory assets and liabilities 207 193 179
Other 5 5 5
Depreciation and amortization $ 1,043 $ 946 $ 836
v3.20.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment (Capitalized Software) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Amortization expense of capitalized software $ 129 $ 123 $ 108
Gross carrying value of capitalized software 866 906  
Accumulated amortization of capitalized software 432 520  
DTE Electric      
Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]      
Amortization expense of capitalized software 118 112 $ 101
Gross carrying value of capitalized software 756 811  
Accumulated amortization of capitalized software $ 363 $ 462  
v3.20.4
Jointly-Owned Utility Plant (Details Textuals)
Dec. 31, 2020
plant
Belle River Unit 1  
Jointly-Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items]  
Percent of the total capacity and energy of the plant 19.00%
Ludington Hydroelectric Pumped Storage  
Jointly-Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items]  
Percent of the total capacity and energy of the plant 51.00%
DTE Electric  
Jointly-Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items]  
Number of power plants owned 2
v3.20.4
Jointly-Owned Utility Plant (Ownership Information) (Details) - DTE Electric
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
MW
Belle River  
Jointly-Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items]  
Total plant capacity | MW 1,270,000
Ownership interest 81.00%
Investment in Property, plant, and equipment (in millions) $ 1,932
Accumulated depreciation (in millions) $ 945
Ludington Hydroelectric Pumped Storage  
Jointly-Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items]  
Total plant capacity | MW 2,220,000
Ownership interest 49.00%
Investment in Property, plant, and equipment (in millions) $ 609
Accumulated depreciation (in millions) $ 181
v3.20.4
Asset Retirement Obligations (Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]      
Asset retirement obligations at January 1 $ 2,672 $ 2,469 $ 2,320
Accretion 157 149 140
Liabilities incurred 25 20 27
Liabilities settled (14) (17) (16)
Revision in estimated cash flows (1) 51 (2)
Asset retirement obligations at December 31 2,839 2,672 2,469
DTE Electric      
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]      
Asset retirement obligations at January 1 2,447 2,271 2,125
Accretion 145 138 129
Liabilities incurred 18 1 27
Liabilities settled (8) (14) (8)
Revision in estimated cash flows 5 51 (2)
Asset retirement obligations at December 31 $ 2,607 $ 2,447 $ 2,271
v3.20.4
Asset Retirement Obligations (Details Textuals) - Fermi 2
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]  
Nuclear decommissioning liabilities funded through surcharge and included in ARO balance $ 2,200,000,000
Liabilities balance upon completion of decommissioning $ 0
v3.20.4
Regulatory Matters (Schedule of Regulatory Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets $ 4,257 $ 4,176
Less amount included in Current Assets (129) (5)
Regulatory assets, noncurrent 4,128 4,171
Pension    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 1,938 1,983
Other postretirement costs    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 165 201
Recoverable undepreciated costs on retiring plants    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 664 657
Fermi 2 asset retirement obligation    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 645 669
Recoverable Michigan income taxes    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 176 189
Enhanced Tree Trimming Program deferred costs    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 119 43
Accrued PSCR revenue    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 100 3
Recoverable income taxes related to AFUDC equity    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 64 56
Energy Waste Reduction incentive    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 62 54
Deferred environmental costs    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 57 66
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 55 56
Nuclear Performance Evaluation and Review Committee Tracker    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 55 48
Customer360 deferred costs    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 51 55
Non-service pension and other postretirement costs    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 21 15
Other recoverable income taxes    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 19 20
Transitional Reconciliation Mechanism    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 11 10
Other    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 55 51
DTE Electric    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 3,563 3,453
Less amount included in Current Assets (123) (5)
Regulatory assets, noncurrent 3,440 3,448
DTE Electric | Pension    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 1,477 1,497
DTE Electric | Other postretirement costs    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 108 131
DTE Electric | Recoverable undepreciated costs on retiring plants    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 664 657
DTE Electric | Fermi 2 asset retirement obligation    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 645 669
DTE Electric | Recoverable Michigan income taxes    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 142 152
DTE Electric | Enhanced Tree Trimming Program deferred costs    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 119 43
DTE Electric | Accrued PSCR revenue    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 100 3
DTE Electric | Recoverable income taxes related to AFUDC equity    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 54 47
DTE Electric | Energy Waste Reduction incentive    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 49 43
DTE Electric | Deferred environmental costs    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 0 0
DTE Electric | Unamortized loss on reacquired debt    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 41 40
DTE Electric | Nuclear Performance Evaluation and Review Committee Tracker    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 55 48
DTE Electric | Customer360 deferred costs    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 51 55
DTE Electric | Non-service pension and other postretirement costs    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 0 0
DTE Electric | Other recoverable income taxes    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 19 20
DTE Electric | Transitional Reconciliation Mechanism    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets 11 10
DTE Electric | Other    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets $ 28 $ 38
v3.20.4
Regulatory Matters (Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities $ 3,402 $ 3,329
Less amount included in Current Liabilities (39) (65)
Regulatory liabilities, noncurrent 3,363 3,264
Refundable federal income taxes    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 2,255 2,359
Removal costs liability    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 831 700
Negative other postretirement offset    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 122 93
Non-service pension and other postretirement costs    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 78 46
COVID-19 voluntary refund    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 30 0
Renewable energy    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 21 54
Accrued GCR refund    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 20 23
Other    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 45 54
DTE Electric    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 2,450 2,586
Less amount included in Current Liabilities (18) (40)
Regulatory liabilities, noncurrent 2,432 2,546
DTE Electric | Refundable federal income taxes    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 1,827 1,911
DTE Electric | Removal costs liability    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 410 483
DTE Electric | Negative other postretirement offset    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 86 69
DTE Electric | Non-service pension and other postretirement costs    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 36 21
DTE Electric | COVID-19 voluntary refund    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 30 0
DTE Electric | Renewable energy    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 21 54
DTE Electric | Accrued GCR refund    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities 0 0
DTE Electric | Other    
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]    
Regulatory liabilities $ 40 $ 48
v3.20.4
Regulatory Matters (Details Textuals) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Feb. 12, 2021
Jul. 17, 2020
May 08, 2020
Nov. 25, 2019
Jul. 08, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 09, 2020
Oct. 26, 2020
Jul. 09, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]                      
Deferral of investigation and remediation of costs associated with gas utilities former MGP sites             10 years        
Regulatory liability             $ 3,402       $ 3,329
DTE Gas | MPSC | 2019 Gas Rate Case Filing                      
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]                      
Requested rate increase       $ 204              
Return on equity, percent   9.90%   10.00%              
Return on equity, requested percent       10.50%              
Approved rate increase   $ 110                  
Disallowed cost, capital expenditures related to incentive compensation           $ 14          
Regulatory liability for non-plant-related accumulated deferred income tax balances that resulted from the TCJA, accelerated amortization approved   20                  
Net increase to customers due to rate increase   $ 51                  
DTE Gas | MPSC | 2021 Gas Rate Case Filing | Subsequent Event                      
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]                      
Requested rate increase $ 195                    
Return on equity, percent 9.90%                    
Return on equity, requested percent 10.25%                    
DTE Gas | COVID-19 Pandemic                      
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]                      
Uncollectible expense deferred as a Regulatory asset             2        
DTE Electric                      
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]                      
Regulatory liability             $ 2,450       $ 2,586
DTE Electric | MPSC | 2019 Electric Rate Case Filing                      
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]                      
Requested rate increase         $ 351            
Return on equity, percent     9.90%   10.00%            
Return on equity, requested percent         10.50%            
Approved rate increase     $ 188                
Disallowed cost, capital expenditures related to incentive compensation           $ 41          
Regulatory liability for non-plant-related accumulated deferred income tax balances that resulted from the TCJA, accelerated amortization approved                   $ 102  
DTE Electric | COVID-19 Pandemic                      
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]                      
Proposed regulatory liability                 $ 30    
Regulatory liability               $ 30      
Nuclear Performance Evaluation and Review Committee Tracker                      
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]                      
Approved amortization period             5 years        
Customer360 deferred costs                      
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]                      
Approved amortization period             15 years        
v3.20.4
Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($)
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Deferred tax asset, general business tax credit carryforwards   $ 1,100,000,000    
State and local net operating loss carry-forwards   155,000,000 $ 117,000,000  
Valuation allowance   41,000,000 40,000,000  
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate   8,000,000 8,000,000  
Interest on income taxes accrued   5,000,000 4,000,000  
Interest on income taxes expense   1,000,000 1,000,000 $ 1,000,000
Penalties on income taxes accrued   0 0  
CARES Act        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Reduction in Income Tax Expense due to carryback of 2018 net operating loss to 2013   34,000,000    
Claim for employee retention credits $ 6,000,000      
Deferral of employer payroll taxes   44,000,000    
CARES Act, AMT Credit Refund        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
AMT credit received from U.S. Treasury   220,000,000    
Immediate Refund of 2018 Remaining AMT Credit Balance        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
AMT credit received from U.S. Treasury   153,000,000    
Immediate Refund of AMT Credit Generated by Carrying Back 2018 Net Operating Loss to 2013        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
AMT credit received from U.S. Treasury   67,000,000    
Federal        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Net operating loss carry-forwards   1,300,000,000    
DTE Electric        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Income tax receivable from related party   8,000,000 14,000,000  
State and local net operating loss carry-forwards   0 0  
Valuation allowance   0 0  
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate   10,000,000 10,000,000  
Interest on income taxes accrued   6,000,000 6,000,000  
Interest on income taxes expense   0 1,000,000 $ 1,000,000
Penalties on income taxes accrued   0 $ 0  
DTE Electric | CARES Act        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Claim for employee retention credits $ 3,000,000      
Deferral of employer payroll taxes   23,000,000    
DTE Electric | General Business Credits        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Tax credit carry-forward   $ 278,000,000    
v3.20.4
Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense to the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]      
Income Before Income Taxes $ 1,538 $ 1,324 $ 1,216
Income tax expense at 21% statutory rate 323 278 255
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 81 48 60
Production tax credits (121) (128) (223)
TCJA regulatory liability amortization (76) (38) 0
Net operating loss carryback (34) 0 0
AFUDC equity (4) (4) (14)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan dividends (4) (3) (3)
Investment tax credits (4) (4) (4)
Stock based compensation (3) (7) (3)
Enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 0 0 21
Noncontrolling interests 1 0 2
Depreciation 2 2 2
Other, net 6 8 5
Income Tax Expense $ 167 $ 152 $ 98
Effective income tax rate 10.90% 11.50% 8.10%
DTE Electric      
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]      
Income Before Income Taxes $ 887 $ 854 $ 857
Income tax expense at 21% statutory rate 186 179 180
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 50 49 49
Production tax credits (55) (45) (35)
TCJA regulatory liability amortization (62) (35) 0
AFUDC equity (4) (4) (3)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan dividends (2) (2) (2)
Investment tax credits (4) (4) (3)
Enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 0 0 7
Depreciation 2 2 2
Other, net (2) (2) (2)
Income Tax Expense $ 109 $ 138 $ 193
Effective income tax rate 12.30% 16.20% 22.50%
v3.20.4
Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Current income tax expense (benefit)      
Federal $ (247) $ (184) $ (17)
State and other income tax 7 7 1
Total current income taxes (240) (177) (16)
Deferred income tax expense      
Federal 310 275 38
State and other income tax 97 54 76
Total deferred income taxes 407 329 114
Total income tax expense 167 152 98
DTE Electric      
Current income tax expense (benefit)      
Federal 15 25 0
State and other income tax 5 16 4
Total current income taxes 20 41 4
Deferred income tax expense      
Federal 30 51 131
State and other income tax 59 46 58
Total deferred income taxes 89 97 189
Total income tax expense $ 109 $ 138 $ 193
v3.20.4
Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)) (Details) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]    
Property, plant, and equipment $ (4,032,000,000) $ (3,755,000,000)
Regulatory assets and liabilities (108,000,000) (47,000,000)
Tax credit carry-forwards 1,144,000,000 1,161,000,000
Pension and benefits 321,000,000 300,000,000
Federal net operating loss carry-forward 265,000,000 276,000,000
State and local net operating loss carry-forwards 155,000,000 117,000,000
Investments in equity method investees (667,000,000) (465,000,000)
Other 141,000,000 138,000,000
Deferred tax liabilities, gross (2,781,000,000) (2,275,000,000)
Less valuation allowance (41,000,000) (40,000,000)
Deferred income tax liabilities (2,822,000,000) (2,315,000,000)
Deferred income tax assets 2,241,000,000 2,264,000,000
Deferred income tax liabilities (5,063,000,000) (4,579,000,000)
DTE Electric    
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]    
Property, plant, and equipment (3,099,000,000) (2,956,000,000)
Regulatory assets and liabilities (53,000,000)  
Regulatory assets and liabilities   4,000,000
Tax credit carry-forwards 278,000,000 252,000,000
Pension and benefits 264,000,000 258,000,000
Federal net operating loss carry-forward 0 0
State and local net operating loss carry-forwards 0 0
Investments in equity method investees 0 0
Other 85,000,000 87,000,000
Deferred tax liabilities, gross (2,525,000,000) (2,355,000,000)
Less valuation allowance 0 0
Deferred income tax liabilities (2,525,000,000) (2,355,000,000)
Deferred income tax assets 883,000,000 865,000,000
Deferred income tax liabilities $ (3,408,000,000) $ (3,220,000,000)
v3.20.4
Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]      
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance $ 10 $ 10 $ 10
Additions for tax positions of prior years 0 0 0
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance 10 10 10
DTE Electric      
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]      
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance 13 13 13
Additions for tax positions of prior years 0 0 0
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance $ 13 $ 13 $ 13
v3.20.4
Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Sep. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Basic Earnings per Share                      
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company $ 275 $ 476 $ 277 $ 340 $ 267 $ 319 $ 182 $ 401 $ 1,368 $ 1,169 $ 1,120
Less: Allocation of earnings to net restricted stock awards                 (2) (2) (2)
Net income available to common shareholders — basic                 $ 1,366 $ 1,167 $ 1,118
Average number of common shares outstanding — basic (in shares)                 193.0 185.0 181.0
Basic Earnings per Common Share (in dollars per share) $ 1.42 $ 2.47 $ 1.44 $ 1.77 $ 1.40 $ 1.74 $ 0.99 $ 2.20 $ 7.09 $ 6.32 $ 6.18
Diluted Earnings per Share                      
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company $ 275 $ 476 $ 277 $ 340 $ 267 $ 319 $ 182 $ 401 $ 1,368 $ 1,169 $ 1,120
Less: Allocation of earnings to net restricted stock awards                 (2) (2) (2)
Net income available to common shareholders — diluted                 $ 1,366 $ 1,167 $ 1,118
Average number of common shares outstanding — diluted (in shares)                 193.0 185.0 181.0
Diluted Earnings per Common Share (in dollars per share) $ 1.42 $ 2.46 $ 1.44 $ 1.76 $ 1.40 $ 1.73 $ 0.99 $ 2.19 $ 7.08 $ 6.31 $ 6.17
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive effect of equity units (in shares)                 10.3 10.3 6.3
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross $ 567 $ 775
Derivative assets, netting (411) (601)
Derivative assets, net 156 174
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (533) (770)
Derivative liabilities, netting 405 601
Derivative liabilities, net (128) (169)
Current liabilities    
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (386) (596)
Noncurrent liabilities    
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (147) (174)
Natural Gas    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 233 355
Derivative assets, netting (156) (266)
Derivative assets, net 77 89
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (223) (351)
Derivative liabilities, netting 151 266
Derivative liabilities, net (72) (85)
Electricity    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 180 306
Derivative assets, netting (120) (225)
Derivative assets, net 60 81
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (168) (298)
Derivative liabilities, netting 125 225
Derivative liabilities, net (43) (73)
Environmental & Other    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 154 113
Derivative assets, netting (135) (110)
Derivative assets, net 19 3
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (137) (121)
Derivative liabilities, netting 129 110
Derivative liabilities, net (8) (11)
Foreign currency exchange contracts    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 0 1
Derivative assets, netting 0 0
Derivative assets, net 0 1
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (5) 0
Derivative liabilities, netting 0 0
Derivative liabilities, net (5) 0
Recurring    
Assets    
Cash equivalents 438 15
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, netting (411) (601)
Derivative assets, net 156 174
Total assets 2,609 2,073
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, netting 405 601
Derivative liabilities, net (128) (169)
Net Assets (Liabilities) at end of period 2,481 1,904
Net Assets (Liabilities) at the end of the period, netting (6) 0
Recurring | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Cash equivalents 4 11
Derivative assets    
Total assets 1,890 1,688
Recurring | Current assets    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, netting (330) (513)
Total assets 554 148
Recurring | Current assets | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 8 14
Recurring | Noncurrent assets    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, netting (81) (88)
Total assets 2,055 1,925
Recurring | Noncurrent assets | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 1,882 1,674
Recurring | Current liabilities    
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, netting 318 513
Derivative liabilities, net (68) (83)
Recurring | Noncurrent liabilities    
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, netting 87 88
Derivative liabilities, net (60) (86)
Recurring | Cash and Cash equivalents    
Assets    
Cash equivalents 436 4
Recurring | Restricted cash    
Assets    
Cash equivalents 2  
Recurring | Other investments    
Assets    
Cash equivalents   11
Recurring | Natural Gas    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, netting (156) (266)
Derivative assets, net 77 89
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, netting 151 266
Derivative liabilities, net (72) (85)
Recurring | Electricity    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, netting (120) (225)
Derivative assets, net 60 81
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, netting 125 225
Derivative liabilities, net (43) (73)
Recurring | Environmental & Other    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, netting (135) (110)
Derivative assets, net 19 3
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, netting 129 110
Derivative liabilities, net (8) (11)
Recurring | Foreign currency exchange contracts    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, netting 0 0
Derivative assets, net 0 1
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, netting 0 0
Derivative liabilities, net (5) 0
Recurring | Derivative assets — FTRs | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, net 4 3
Recurring | Cash equivalents    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 27 34
Other investments 97 4
Recurring | Cash equivalents | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 27 34
Recurring | Private equity and other    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 104 43
Recurring | Private equity and other | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 104 43
Recurring | Equity securities    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 1,169 1,046
Other investments 55 140
Recurring | Equity securities | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 1,169 1,046
Other investments 16 13
Recurring | Fixed income securities    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 555 538
Other investments 8 79
Recurring | Fixed income securities | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 555 538
Other investments 11 0
Recurring | Level 1    
Assets    
Cash equivalents 438 15
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 99 205
Total assets 1,773 1,683
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (88) (221)
Net Assets (Liabilities) at end of period 1,685 1,462
Recurring | Level 1 | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Cash equivalents 4 11
Derivative assets    
Total assets 1,107 1,264
Recurring | Level 1 | Current assets    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 532 218
Recurring | Level 1 | Current assets | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 4 11
Recurring | Level 1 | Noncurrent assets    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 1,241 1,465
Recurring | Level 1 | Noncurrent assets | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 1,103 1,253
Recurring | Level 1 | Current liabilities    
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (84) (211)
Recurring | Level 1 | Noncurrent liabilities    
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (4) (10)
Recurring | Level 1 | Natural Gas    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 99 205
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (88) (221)
Recurring | Level 1 | Electricity    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 0 0
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross 0 0
Recurring | Level 1 | Environmental & Other    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 0 0
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross 0 0
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign currency exchange contracts    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 0 0
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross 0 0
Recurring | Level 1 | Derivative assets — FTRs | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, net 0 0
Recurring | Level 1 | Cash equivalents    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 27 34
Other investments 97 4
Recurring | Level 1 | Cash equivalents | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 27 34
Recurring | Level 1 | Private equity and other    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Recurring | Level 1 | Private equity and other | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Recurring | Level 1 | Equity securities    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 947 1,046
Other investments 55 140
Recurring | Level 1 | Equity securities | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 947 1,046
Other investments 16 13
Recurring | Level 1 | Fixed income securities    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 102 160
Other investments 8 79
Recurring | Level 1 | Fixed income securities | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 102 160
Other investments 11 0
Recurring | Level 2    
Assets    
Cash equivalents 0 0
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 352 410
Total assets 723 788
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (327) (393)
Net Assets (Liabilities) at end of period 396 395
Recurring | Level 2 | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Cash equivalents 0 0
Derivative assets    
Total assets 371 378
Recurring | Level 2 | Current assets    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 260 320
Recurring | Level 2 | Current assets | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 0 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Noncurrent assets    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 463 468
Recurring | Level 2 | Noncurrent assets | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 371 378
Recurring | Level 2 | Current liabilities    
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (223) (300)
Recurring | Level 2 | Noncurrent liabilities    
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (104) (93)
Recurring | Level 2 | Natural Gas    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 74 76
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (59) (41)
Recurring | Level 2 | Electricity    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 128 223
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (126) (231)
Recurring | Level 2 | Environmental & Other    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 150 110
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (137) (121)
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign currency exchange contracts    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 0 1
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (5) 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Derivative assets — FTRs | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, net 0 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Cash equivalents    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Other investments 0 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Cash equivalents | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Private equity and other    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Private equity and other | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Equity securities    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Other investments 0 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Equity securities | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Other investments 0 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Fixed income securities    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 371 378
Other investments 0 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Fixed income securities | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 371 378
Other investments 0 0
Recurring | Level 3    
Assets    
Cash equivalents 0 0
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 116 160
Total assets 116 160
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (118) (156)
Net Assets (Liabilities) at end of period (2) 4
Recurring | Level 3 | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Cash equivalents 0 0
Derivative assets    
Total assets 4 3
Recurring | Level 3 | Current assets    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 92 123
Recurring | Level 3 | Current assets | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 4 3
Recurring | Level 3 | Noncurrent assets    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 24 37
Recurring | Level 3 | Noncurrent assets | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 0 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Current liabilities    
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (79) (85)
Recurring | Level 3 | Noncurrent liabilities    
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (39) (71)
Recurring | Level 3 | Natural Gas    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 60 74
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (76) (89)
Recurring | Level 3 | Electricity    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 52 83
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross (42) (67)
Recurring | Level 3 | Environmental & Other    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 4 3
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross 0 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign currency exchange contracts    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, gross 0 0
Liabilities    
Derivative liabilities, gross 0 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Derivative assets — FTRs | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Derivative assets, net 4 3
Recurring | Level 3 | Cash equivalents    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Other investments 0 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Cash equivalents | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Private equity and other    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Private equity and other | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Equity securities    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Other investments 0 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Equity securities | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Other investments 0 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Fixed income securities    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Other investments 0 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Fixed income securities | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 0 0
Other investments 0 0
Recurring | Other    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 408 43
Liabilities    
Net Assets (Liabilities) at end of period 408 43
Recurring | Other | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 408 43
Recurring | Other | Noncurrent assets    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 408 43
Recurring | Other | Noncurrent assets | DTE Electric    
Derivative assets    
Total assets 408 43
Recurring | Other | Private equity and other    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 104 43
Recurring | Other | Private equity and other | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 104 43
Recurring | Other | Equity securities    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 222 0
Recurring | Other | Equity securities | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 222 0
Recurring | Other | Fixed income securities    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts 82 0
Recurring | Other | Fixed income securities | DTE Electric    
Assets    
Nuclear decommissioning trusts $ 82 $ 0
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Details Textuals) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Nuclear decommissioning trusts | Fixed Income Securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Securities with no contractual maturity date $ 82  
Private Equity and Other    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Unfunded commitments related to investments classified as NAV assets $ 183 $ 151
Minimum | Equity or debt securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Investments, redemption notice period 7 days  
Minimum | Private Equity and Other    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Investments classified as NAV assets, general contractual durations 7 years  
Maximum | Equity or debt securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Investments, redemption notice period 65 days  
Maximum | Private Equity and Other    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Investments classified as NAV assets, general contractual durations 12 years  
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - Recurring - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]    
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of January 1 $ 4 $ (44)
Transfers from Level 3 into Level 2 (2) 0
Total gains (losses)    
Included in earnings 31 91
Recorded in Regulatory liabilities 20 2
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:    
Settlements (55) (45)
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of December 31 (2) 4
Total gains (losses) included in Net Income attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31 (4) 20
Total gains (losses) included in Regulatory liabilities attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31 4 3
Natural Gas    
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]    
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of January 1 (15) (49)
Transfers from Level 3 into Level 2 (2) 0
Total gains (losses)    
Included in earnings (75) 15
Recorded in Regulatory liabilities 0 0
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:    
Settlements 76 19
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of December 31 (16) (15)
Total gains (losses) included in Net Income attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31 (4) (1)
Total gains (losses) included in Regulatory liabilities attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31 0 0
Electricity    
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]    
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of January 1 16 (2)
Transfers from Level 3 into Level 2 0 0
Total gains (losses)    
Included in earnings 113 77
Recorded in Regulatory liabilities 0 0
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:    
Settlements (119) (59)
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of December 31 10 16
Total gains (losses) included in Net Income attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31 70 59
Total gains (losses) included in Regulatory liabilities attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31 0 0
Other    
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]    
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of January 1 3 7
Transfers from Level 3 into Level 2 0 0
Total gains (losses)    
Included in earnings (7) (1)
Recorded in Regulatory liabilities 20 2
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:    
Settlements (12) (5)
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of December 31 4 3
Total gains (losses) included in Net Income attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31 (70) (38)
Total gains (losses) included in Regulatory liabilities attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31 4 3
DTE Electric    
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]    
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of January 1 3 6
Total gains (losses)    
Recorded in Regulatory liabilities 20 2
Purchases, issuances, and settlements:    
Settlements (19) (5)
Net Assets (Liabilities) as of December 31 4 3
Total gains (losses) included in Regulatory liabilities attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at December 31 $ 4 $ 3
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Unobservable Inputs related to Level 3 Assets and Liabilities) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
$ / MWh
$ / MMBTU
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
$ / MMBTU
$ / MWh
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets $ 567 $ 775
Derivative Liabilities (533) (770)
Natural Gas    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 233 355
Derivative Liabilities (223) (351)
Electricity    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 180 306
Derivative Liabilities $ (168) $ (298)
Level 3 | Discounted Cash Flow | Forward basis price | Natural Gas | Minimum    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Forward basis price | $ / MMBTU (0.86) (1.78)
Level 3 | Discounted Cash Flow | Forward basis price | Natural Gas | Maximum    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Forward basis price | $ / MMBTU 2.50 5.78
Level 3 | Discounted Cash Flow | Forward basis price | Natural Gas | Weighted Average    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Forward basis price | $ / MMBTU (0.07) (0.09)
Level 3 | Discounted Cash Flow | Forward basis price | Electricity | Minimum    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Forward basis price | $ / MWh (9) (10)
Level 3 | Discounted Cash Flow | Forward basis price | Electricity | Maximum    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Forward basis price | $ / MWh 6 6
Level 3 | Discounted Cash Flow | Forward basis price | Electricity | Weighted Average    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Forward basis price | $ / MWh 0 0
Recurring | Level 3    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets $ 116 $ 160
Derivative Liabilities (118) (156)
Recurring | Level 3 | Natural Gas    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 60 74
Derivative Liabilities (76) (89)
Recurring | Level 3 | Electricity    
Unobservable Input Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 52 83
Derivative Liabilities $ (42) $ (67)
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Fair Value of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Carrying Amount    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Notes receivable, excluding lessor finance leases $ 141 $ 184
Short-term borrowings 38 828
Notes payable 19 25
Long-term debt 19,439 16,606
Carrying Amount | DTE Electric    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Notes receivable, excluding lessor finance leases 16 9
Short-term borrowings 0 354
Notes payable 17 21
Long-term debt 8,236 7,180
Carrying Amount | DTE Electric | Affiliated entity    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Short-term borrowings 101 97
Fair Value | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Notes receivable, excluding lessor finance leases 0 0
Short-term borrowings 0 0
Notes payable 0 0
Long-term debt 2,547 2,572
Fair Value | Level 1 | DTE Electric    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Notes receivable, excluding lessor finance leases 0 0
Short-term borrowings 0 0
Notes payable 0 0
Long-term debt 0 0
Fair Value | Level 1 | DTE Electric | Affiliated entity    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Short-term borrowings 0 0
Fair Value | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Notes receivable, excluding lessor finance leases 0 0
Short-term borrowings 38 828
Notes payable 0 0
Long-term debt 18,230 14,207
Fair Value | Level 2 | DTE Electric    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Notes receivable, excluding lessor finance leases 0 0
Short-term borrowings 0 354
Notes payable 0 0
Long-term debt 9,579 7,916
Fair Value | Level 2 | DTE Electric | Affiliated entity    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Short-term borrowings 0 0
Fair Value | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Notes receivable, excluding lessor finance leases 141 184
Short-term borrowings 0 0
Notes payable 19 25
Long-term debt 1,397 1,252
Fair Value | Level 3 | DTE Electric    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Notes receivable, excluding lessor finance leases 16 9
Short-term borrowings 0 0
Notes payable 17 21
Long-term debt 379 173
Fair Value | Level 3 | DTE Electric | Affiliated entity    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Short-term borrowings $ 101 $ 97
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Fair Value of Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds $ 1,855 $ 1,661
DTE Electric    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds 1,855 1,661
DTE Electric | Nuclear decommissioning trusts    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds 1,855 1,661
DTE Electric | Nuclear decommissioning trusts | Fermi 2    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds 1,841 1,650
DTE Electric | Nuclear decommissioning trusts | Fermi 1    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds 3 3
DTE Electric | Nuclear decommissioning trusts | Low-level radioactive waste    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Nuclear decommissioning trust funds $ 11 $ 8
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Gains and Losses and Proceeds from the Sale of Securities by the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds) (Details) - DTE Electric - Nuclear decommissioning trusts - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]      
Realized gains $ 192 $ 56 $ 65
Realized losses (111) (31) (42)
Proceeds from sale of securities $ 2,350 $ 788 $ 1,203
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Fair Value and Unrealized Gains and Losses for the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds) (Details) - DTE Electric - Nuclear decommissioning trusts - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Fair Value $ 1,855 $ 1,661
Fixed income securities, fair value 555 538
Private equity and other, fair value 104 43
Cash equivalents, fair value 27 34
Unrealized gains 501 420
Fixed income securities, unrealized gains 20 24
Unrealized losses (7) (40)
Fixed income securities, unrealized losses (1) (1)
Equity securities    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Fair Value 1,169 1,046
Unrealized gains 481 396
Unrealized losses $ (6) $ (39)
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Fair Value of Fixed Income Securities Held in Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds (Details) - Nuclear decommissioning trusts - Fixed Income Securities
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]  
Due within one year $ 51
Due after one through five years 101
Due after five through ten years 89
Due after ten years 232
Fixed income securities total $ 473
v3.20.4
Fair Value (Gains (Losses) Related to the Trust) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Rabbi Trust      
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]      
Gains (losses) related to the trust $ (3) $ 37 $ (11)
Equity securities      
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]      
Gains (losses) related to the trust (1) 27 (8)
Fixed Income Securities      
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]      
Gains (losses) related to the trust $ (2) $ 10 $ (3)
v3.20.4
Financial and Other Derivative Instruments (Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets $ 567 $ 775
Derivative Liabilities (533) (770)
Current derivative asset    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 446 646
Noncurrent derivative asset    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 121 129
Current derivative liability    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Liabilities (386) (596)
Noncurrent derivative liability    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Liabilities (147) (174)
Foreign currency exchange contracts    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 0 1
Derivative Liabilities (5) 0
Natural gas    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 233 355
Derivative Liabilities (223) (351)
Electricity    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 180 306
Derivative Liabilities (168) (298)
Environmental & Other    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 154 113
Derivative Liabilities (137) (121)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency exchange contracts    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 0 0
Derivative Liabilities (4) 0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 567 775
Derivative Liabilities (529) (770)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | DTE Electric    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 4 3
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency exchange contracts    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 0 1
Derivative Liabilities (1) 0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Natural gas    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 233 355
Derivative Liabilities (223) (351)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Electricity    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 180 306
Derivative Liabilities (168) (298)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Environmental & Other    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets 154 113
Derivative Liabilities (137) (121)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | FTRs — Other current assets | DTE Electric    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative Assets $ 4 $ 3
v3.20.4
Financial and Other Derivative Instruments (Details Textuals) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]    
Letters of credit that could be used to offset net derivative liabilities $ 7,000,000 $ 6,000,000
Letters of credit that could be used to offset net derivative assets 9,000,000 $ 4,000,000
Additional collateral, aggregate fair value 428,000,000  
Derivative net liability position aggregate fair value 451,000,000  
Collateral already posted fair value 0  
Derivative, net asset position, fair value 401,000,000  
Remaining amount of offsets to derivative net liability positions for hard and soft trigger provisions $ 50,000,000  
v3.20.4
Financial and Other Derivative Instruments (Net Cash Collateral Offsetting Arrangements) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]    
Cash collateral netted against Derivative assets $ (12) $ 0
Cash collateral netted against Derivative liabilities 6 0
Cash collateral recorded in Accounts receivable 14 13
Cash collateral recorded in Accounts payable (1) (3)
Total net cash collateral posted (received) $ 7 $ 10
v3.20.4
Financial and Other Derivative Instruments (Netting Offsets of Derivative Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative assets    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) $ 567 $ 775
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (411) (601)
Derivative assets, net 156 174
Derivative liabilities    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) (533) (770)
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 405 601
Derivative liabilities, net (128) (169)
Natural gas    
Derivative assets    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) 233 355
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (156) (266)
Derivative assets, net 77 89
Derivative liabilities    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) (223) (351)
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 151 266
Derivative liabilities, net (72) (85)
Electricity    
Derivative assets    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) 180 306
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (120) (225)
Derivative assets, net 60 81
Derivative liabilities    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) (168) (298)
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 125 225
Derivative liabilities, net (43) (73)
Environmental & Other    
Derivative assets    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) 154 113
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (135) (110)
Derivative assets, net 19 3
Derivative liabilities    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) (137) (121)
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 129 110
Derivative liabilities, net (8) (11)
Interest rate contracts    
Derivative liabilities    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) 0 0
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 0 0
Derivative liabilities, net 0 0
Foreign currency exchange contracts    
Derivative assets    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) 0 1
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 0 0
Derivative assets, net 0 1
Derivative liabilities    
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) (5) 0
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 0 0
Derivative liabilities, net $ (5) $ 0
v3.20.4
Financial and Other Derivative Instruments (Netting Offsets Reconciliation to Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Assets    
Derivative Assets $ 567 $ 775
Collateral adjustment (12) 0
Derivative asset, current 116 133
Derivative assets, noncurrent 40 41
Derivative Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities (533) (770)
Collateral adjustment 6 0
Derivative liabilities, current (68) (83)
Derivative liabilities, noncurrent (60) (86)
Current derivative asset    
Derivative Assets    
Derivative Assets 446 646
Counterparty netting (318) (513)
Collateral adjustment (12) 0
Derivative asset, current 116 133
Noncurrent derivative asset    
Derivative Assets    
Derivative Assets 121 129
Counterparty netting (81) (88)
Collateral adjustment 0 0
Derivative assets, noncurrent 40 41
Current derivative liability    
Derivative Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities (386) (596)
Counterparty netting 318 513
Collateral adjustment 0 0
Derivative liabilities, current (68) (83)
Noncurrent derivative liability    
Derivative Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities (147) (174)
Counterparty netting 81 88
Collateral adjustment 6 0
Derivative liabilities, noncurrent $ (60) $ (86)
v3.20.4
Financial and Other Derivative Instruments (Effect of Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives $ (83) $ 55 $ (81)
Natural gas | Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (70) 44 (42)
Natural gas | Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives 20 (5) (94)
Electricity | Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives 91 44 49
Environmental & Other | Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (118) (26) (1)
Foreign currency exchange contracts | Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives $ (6) $ (2) $ 7
v3.20.4
Financial and Other Derivative Instruments (Cumulative Gross Volume of Derivative Contracts Outstanding) (Details)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
CAD ($)
MMBTU
MWh
T
Natural gas (MMBtu)  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Commodity, energy measure | MMBTU 1,757,668,006
Electricity (MWh)  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Commodity, energy measure 29,383,355
Foreign currency exchange ($ CAD)  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Commodity, monetary measure | $ $ 144,655,453
Renewable Energy Certificates (MWh)  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Commodity, energy measure 9,221,803
Carbon emissions (Metric Ton)  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Commodity, mass measure | T 12,495,202
v3.20.4
Long-Term Debt (Long Term Debt Outstanding and Weighted Average Interest Rates) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, total $ 19,603  
Unsecured    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 2.70%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 8,175 $ 6,625
Secured Debt, Unsecured Debt, Mortgage Notes and Other Debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, gross 18,393 15,575
Unamortized debt discount (25) (24)
Unamortized debt issuance costs (104) (91)
Long-term debt due within one year (462) (682)
Mortgage bonds, notes, and other $ 17,802 14,778
Junior Subordinated Debentures    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 5.30%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,210 1,180
Unamortized debt issuance costs (35) (34)
Long-term debt, total 1,175 1,146
DTE Electric    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt due within one year (462) (632)
Mortgage bonds, notes, and other 7,774 6,548
Long-term debt, total $ 8,308  
DTE Electric | Principally Secured    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 3.90%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 8,030 6,930
DTE Electric | Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 4.10%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 278 310
DTE Electric | Secured Debt, Unsecured Debt, Mortgage Notes and Other Debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, gross 8,308 7,240
Unamortized debt discount (16) (15)
Unamortized debt issuance costs (56) (45)
Mortgage bonds, notes, and other $ 7,774 6,548
DTE Gas | Principally Secured    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 4.00%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,910 $ 1,710
v3.20.4
Long-Term Debt (Debt Issuances) (Details) - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2020
Sep. 30, 2020
Aug. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2020
Apr. 30, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Feb. 29, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Amount $ 3,730,000,000              
Unsecured Term Loan, Expiring in March 2021 | Unsecured                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Repayment of debt 500,000,000              
June 2020 Unsecured Term Loan, Expiring June 2021 | Unsecured                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Repayment of debt $ 167,000,000              
Senior Notes | August 2020 1.05% Senior Notes Maturing In 2025                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate       1.05%        
Amount       $ 800,000,000        
Senior Notes | October 2020 0.55% Senior Notes Maturing In 2022                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate   0.55%            
Amount   $ 750,000,000            
Junior Subordinated Debentures | October 2020 4.375% Junior Subordinated Debentures Maturing In 2080                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate   4.38%            
Amount   $ 230,000,000            
Junior Subordinated Debentures | Series C, 2012, 5.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures Maturing 2062                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate 5.25% 5.25%            
Repayment of debt $ 200,000,000              
DTE Electric | Mortgage Bonds | February 2020 2.25% Mortgage Bonds Maturing in 2030                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate               2.25%
Amount               $ 600,000,000
DTE Electric | Mortgage Bonds | February 2020 2.95% Mortgage Bonds Maturing In 2050                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate               2.95%
Amount               $ 500,000,000
DTE Electric | Mortgage Bonds | April 2020 2.63% Mortgage Bonds Maturing in 2031                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate           2.63%    
Amount           $ 600,000,000    
DTE Electric | Senior Notes | 4.89% Senior Notes Maturing 2020                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate 4.89%           4.89%  
Repayment of debt $ 300,000,000              
DTE Electric | Senior Notes | 2010 Series B 3.45% Senior Notes Maturing 2020                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate 3.45%       3.45%      
Repayment of debt $ 300,000,000              
DTE Electric | Senior Notes | 2008 Series KT Variable Rate Senior Notes Due 2020                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Repayment of debt $ 32,000,000              
DTE Gas | Mortgage Bonds | August 2020 2.35% Mortgage Bonds Maturing In 2030                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate       2.35%        
Amount       $ 125,000,000        
DTE Gas | Mortgage Bonds | August 2020 3.20% Mortgage Bonds Maturing In 2050                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate       3.20%        
Amount       $ 125,000,000        
DTE Gas | Senior Notes | 2008 Series I 6.36% Senior Notes Maturing 2020                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Interest Rate 6.36%   6.36%          
Repayment of debt $ 50,000,000              
v3.20.4
Long-Term Debt (Debt Redemptions) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2020
Sep. 30, 2020
Jul. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]              
Amount         $ 882 $ 821 $ 105
Junior Subordinated Debentures | Series C, 2012, 5.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures Maturing 2062              
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]              
Interest Rate 5.25%       5.25%    
Amount $ 200            
DTE Electric              
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]              
Amount         $ 632 $ 0 $ 0
DTE Electric | Senior Notes | 4.89% Senior Notes Maturing 2020              
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]              
Interest Rate       4.89% 4.89%    
Amount       $ 300      
DTE Electric | Senior Notes | 5.63% Senior Notes Maturing 2020              
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]              
Interest Rate     5.63%        
Amount     $ 32        
DTE Electric | Senior Notes | 2010 Series B 3.45% Senior Notes Maturing 2020              
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]              
Interest Rate     3.45%   3.45%    
Amount     $ 300        
DTE Gas | Senior Notes | 2008 Series I 6.36% Senior Notes Maturing 2020              
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]              
Interest Rate   6.36%     6.36%    
Amount   $ 50          
v3.20.4
Long-Term Debt (Scheduled Debt Maturities) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]  
2021 $ 462
2022 3,466
2023 1,177
2024 1,425
2025 1,220
2026 and Thereafter 11,853
Long-term debt, total 19,603
DTE Electric  
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]  
2021 462
2022 316
2023 202
2024 400
2025 350
2026 and Thereafter 6,578
Long-term debt, total $ 8,308
v3.20.4
Long-Term Debt (Details Textuals)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions
 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Feb. 01, 2020
$ / shares
Nov. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
day
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2022
shares
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
shares
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Face amount | $           $ 3,730,000,000
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, settlement terms, share value, amount | $       $ 150,000,000    
Equity units subject to mandatory redemption            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Forward contract indexed to issuer's equity, forward rate per share (in dollars per share) $ 50   $ 50      
Equity units, percentage interest in attached debt instrument     0.005%      
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, settlement terms, share value, amount | $     $ 150,000,000      
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, contract adjustment rate 4.00% 4.00%        
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, contract adjustment rate, annual amount (in dollars per share) $ 2          
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, settlement terms, maximum number of shares (in shares) | shares           13.0
Equity units subject to mandatory redemption | Minimum | Forecast            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, settlement terms, number of shares (in shares) | shares         8.3  
Equity units subject to mandatory redemption | Maximum | Forecast            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, settlement terms, number of shares (in shares) | shares         10.3  
Equal to or greater than $157.50, 0.3175 shares of common stock | Equity units subject to mandatory redemption            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Number of consecutive scheduled trading days | day     20      
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, anti-dilution provision, conversion ratio     0.3175      
Equal to or greater than $157.50, 0.3175 shares of common stock | Equity units subject to mandatory redemption | Minimum            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, anti-dilution provision, stock price threshold (in dollars per share)     $ 157.50      
Less than $157.50, but greater than $126.00, number of shares of common stock equal to $50 divided by the AMV | Equity units subject to mandatory redemption            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, anti-dilution provision, conversion ratio     50      
Less than $157.50, but greater than $126.00, number of shares of common stock equal to $50 divided by the AMV | Equity units subject to mandatory redemption | Minimum            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, anti-dilution provision, stock price threshold (in dollars per share)     $ 126.00      
Less than $157.50, but greater than $126.00, number of shares of common stock equal to $50 divided by the AMV | Equity units subject to mandatory redemption | Maximum            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, anti-dilution provision, stock price threshold (in dollars per share)     $ 157.50      
Less than or equal to $126.00, 0.3968 shares of common stock | Equity units subject to mandatory redemption            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, anti-dilution provision, conversion ratio     0.3968      
Less than or equal to $126.00, 0.3968 shares of common stock | Equity units subject to mandatory redemption | Maximum            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, anti-dilution provision, stock price threshold (in dollars per share)     $ 126.00      
November 2019 Series F 2.25% RSNs Maturing 2025 | Equity Units            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Face amount | $   $ 1,300,000,000 $ 1,300,000,000      
Interest rate   2.25% 2.25%      
November 2019 Series F 2.25% RSNs Maturing 2025 | Unsuccessful remarketing | Equity Units            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage     100.00%      
v3.20.4
Long-Term Debt (Equity Units) (Details) - USD ($)
shares in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Feb. 01, 2020
Nov. 01, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Nov. 30, 2019
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Line Items]            
Total Net Proceeds   $ 1,268,000,000 $ 0 $ 1,265,000,000 $ 0  
Total Long-Term Debt     3,730,000,000      
Equity units subject to mandatory redemption            
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Line Items]            
Units Issued (in shares)   26        
Stock Purchase Contract Annual Rate 4.00% 4.00%        
Stock Purchase Contract Liability   $ 150,000,000 101,000,000 $ 150,000,000    
Payments     $ 49,000,000      
November 2019 Equity Units Maturing 2025 | Equity Units            
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Line Items]            
Total Long-Term Debt   $ 1,300,000,000       $ 1,300,000,000
RSN Annual Interest Rate   2.25%       2.25%
v3.20.4
Preferred and Preference Securities (Details)
Dec. 31, 2020
$ / shares
shares
DTE Electric  
Preferred and Preferenced Securities [Line Items]  
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 100
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) | shares 6,747,484
Preference stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 1
Preference stock shares authorized (in shares) | shares 30,000,000
DTE Gas  
Preferred and Preferenced Securities [Line Items]  
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) | shares 7,000,000
Preference stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 1
Preference stock shares authorized (in shares) | shares 4,000,000
DTE Energy  
Preferred and Preferenced Securities [Line Items]  
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 0
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) | shares 5,000,000
v3.20.4
Short-Term Credit Arrangements and Borrowings (Details Textuals)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
CAD ($)
Nov. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
May 31, 2020
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Face amount $ 3,730,000,000          
Short-term borrowings 38,000,000         $ 828,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity 2,846,000,000          
Other outstanding letters of credit $ 231,000,000          
Weighted average interest rate 1.10% 1.10%       2.00%
Dividend restriction $ 2,800,000,000          
Retained earnings 7,156,000,000         $ 6,587,000,000
Effective limitations 0          
Revolving credit facility            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Other outstanding letters of credit 38,000,000          
Letters of credit            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Other outstanding letters of credit 193,000,000          
Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021 | Letters of credit            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 200,000,000          
Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 2023 | Revolving credit facility            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 86,000,000          
DTE Electric            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 700,000,000          
Other outstanding letters of credit $ 0          
Total funded debt to capitalization ratio 0.51 0.51        
Weighted average interest rate           1.90%
Retained earnings $ 2,623,000,000         $ 2,384,000,000
DTE Electric | Revolving credit facility            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Other outstanding letters of credit 0          
DTE Electric | Letters of credit            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Other outstanding letters of credit 0          
DTE Electric | Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021 | Unsecured            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Face amount     $ 200,000,000      
Short-term borrowings 0          
DTE Electric | Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021 | Letters of credit            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 200,000,000          
DTE Electric | Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 2023 | Revolving credit facility            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 0          
DTE Gas            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 300,000,000          
Other outstanding letters of credit $ 0          
Total funded debt to capitalization ratio 0.48 0.48        
DTE Gas | Revolving credit facility            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Other outstanding letters of credit $ 0          
DTE Gas | Letters of credit            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Other outstanding letters of credit 0          
DTE Gas | Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021 | Letters of credit            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 0          
DTE Gas | Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 2023 | Revolving credit facility            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 0          
DTE Lake Erie Generation, Inc | Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 2023 | Revolving credit facility            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity         $ 110,000,000  
Other outstanding letters of credit   $ 49,000,000        
DTE Energy            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 1,846,000,000          
Other outstanding letters of credit $ 231,000,000          
Total funded debt to capitalization ratio 0.59 0.59        
DTE Energy | Revolving credit facility            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Other outstanding letters of credit $ 38,000,000          
DTE Energy | Letters of credit            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Other outstanding letters of credit 193,000,000          
DTE Energy | Demand financing agreement            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 300,000,000          
Amount outstanding 49,000,000         $ 114,000,000
DTE Energy | Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021 | Letters of credit            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 0          
DTE Energy | Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 2023 | Revolving credit facility            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 86,000,000          
DTE Energy | Other outstanding letters of credit | Letters of credit            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Other outstanding letters of credit 59,000,000          
DTE Energy | Uncommitted letter of credit facility, Expiring July 2021 | Letters of credit            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity       $ 50,000,000    
DTE Energy | Demand financing agreement, indefinite term | Demand financing agreement            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity 100,000,000          
Additional margin financing 50,000,000          
DTE Energy | Demand financing agreement, expiring in 2022 | Demand financing agreement            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 150,000,000          
Maximum            
Short-term Debt [Line Items]            
Total funded debt to capitalization ratio 0.65 0.65        
v3.20.4
Short-Term Credit Arrangements and Borrowings (Schedule of Borrowings) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 2,846
Amounts outstanding 231
Net availability 2,615
DTE Electric  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 700
Amounts outstanding 0
Net availability 700
DTE Gas  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 300
Amounts outstanding 0
Net availability 300
DTE Energy  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 1,846
Amounts outstanding 231
Net availability 1,615
Letters of credit  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Amounts outstanding 193
Letters of credit | DTE Electric  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Amounts outstanding 0
Letters of credit | DTE Gas  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Amounts outstanding 0
Letters of credit | DTE Energy  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Amounts outstanding 193
Letters of credit | Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in February 2021  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 150
Letters of credit | Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in February 2021 | DTE Electric  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 0
Letters of credit | Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in February 2021 | DTE Gas  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 0
Letters of credit | Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in February 2021 | DTE Energy  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 150
Letters of credit | Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in August 2021  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 110
Letters of credit | Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in August 2021 | DTE Electric  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 0
Letters of credit | Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in August 2021 | DTE Gas  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 0
Letters of credit | Unsecured letter of credit facility, expiring in August 2021 | DTE Energy  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 110
Letters of credit | Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 200
Letters of credit | Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021 | DTE Electric  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 200
Letters of credit | Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021 | DTE Gas  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 0
Letters of credit | Unsecured term loan, expiring in November 2021 | DTE Energy  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 0
Revolving credit facility  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Amounts outstanding 38
Revolving credit facility | DTE Electric  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Amounts outstanding 0
Revolving credit facility | DTE Gas  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Amounts outstanding 0
Revolving credit facility | DTE Energy  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Amounts outstanding 38
Revolving credit facility | Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 2023  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 86
Revolving credit facility | Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 2023 | DTE Electric  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 0
Revolving credit facility | Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 2023 | DTE Gas  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 0
Revolving credit facility | Unsecured Canadian revolving credit facility, expiring May 2023 | DTE Energy  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 86
Revolving credit facility | Unsecured revolving credit facility, expiring April 2024  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 2,300
Revolving credit facility | Unsecured revolving credit facility, expiring April 2024 | DTE Electric  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 500
Revolving credit facility | Unsecured revolving credit facility, expiring April 2024 | DTE Gas  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 300
Revolving credit facility | Unsecured revolving credit facility, expiring April 2024 | DTE Energy  
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,500
v3.20.4
Leases (Details Textuals) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Finance lease agreement, term (less than) 2 years  
Net investment in finance lease arrangement $ 8  
Selling profit recognized 11  
Net investment in finance lease arrangement $ 133  
Percent ownership interest in Vector Pipeline 40.00%  
Net investment in finance leases $ 178  
Depreciation expense associated with property under operating leases 27 $ 26
Interest income recognized under finance leases 16 5
Vector | Equity Method Investee    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Net investment in finance leases 39  
Interest income recognized under finance leases $ 4 $ 4
Minimum    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Lease terms 2 years  
Term of operating lease contracts 2 years  
Maximum    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Lease terms 40 years  
Term of operating lease contracts 24 years  
DTE Electric | Minimum    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Lease terms 2 years  
DTE Electric | Maximum    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Lease terms 40 years  
v3.20.4
Leases (Components of Lease Cost) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease cost $ 39 $ 41
Finance lease cost:    
Amortization of right-of-use assets 5 4
Interest of lease liabilities 0 0
Total finance lease cost 5 4
Variable lease cost 10 10
Short-term lease cost 12 10
Total lease cost 66 65
DTE Electric    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease cost 14 17
Finance lease cost:    
Amortization of right-of-use assets 4 4
Interest of lease liabilities 0 0
Total finance lease cost 4 4
Variable lease cost 0 0
Short-term lease cost 6 3
Total lease cost $ 24 $ 24
v3.20.4
Leases (Other Information) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of these liabilities:    
Operating cash flows for finance leases $ 3 $ 5
Operating cash flows for operating leases 40 40
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:    
Operating leases 18 68
Finance leases $ 19 $ 8
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (Years)    
Operating leases 9 years 3 months 18 days 9 years 8 months 12 days
Finance leases 7 years 7 months 6 days 9 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Discount Rate    
Operating leases 3.40% 3.50%
Finance leases 2.00% 3.10%
DTE Electric    
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of these liabilities:    
Operating cash flows for finance leases $ 2 $ 5
Operating cash flows for operating leases 14 16
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:    
Operating leases 0 27
Finance leases $ 14 $ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (Years)    
Operating leases 10 years 4 months 24 days 10 years 7 months 6 days
Finance leases 3 years 1 month 6 days 2 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate    
Operating leases 3.30% 3.30%
Finance leases 1.00% 3.10%
v3.20.4
Leases (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Operating Leases  
2021 $ 37
2022 31
2023 22
2024 13
2025 8
2026 and thereafter 61
Total future minimum lease payments 172
Imputed interest (28)
Lease liabilities 144
Finance Leases  
2021 8
2022 8
2023 8
2024 2
2025 1
2026 and thereafter 7
Total future minimum lease payments 34
Imputed interest (3)
Lease liabilities 31
DTE Electric  
Operating Leases  
2021 13
2022 12
2023 10
2024 8
2025 6
2026 and thereafter 32
Total future minimum lease payments 81
Imputed interest (14)
Lease liabilities 67
Finance Leases  
2021 6
2022 6
2023 6
2024 1
2025 0
2026 and thereafter 0
Total future minimum lease payments 19
Imputed interest 0
Lease liabilities $ 19
v3.20.4
Leases (Finance Leases Reported on Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Right-of-use assets, within Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 29 $ 15
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent
Current lease liabilities, within Current Liabilities — Other $ 7 $ 4
Long-term lease liabilities 24 11
DTE Electric    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Right-of-use assets, within Property, plant, and equipment, net 16 7
Current lease liabilities, within Current Liabilities — Other 6 3
Long-term lease liabilities $ 13 $ 4
v3.20.4
Leases (Lease Income Associated with Operating Leases) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Fixed payments $ 66 $ 65
Variable payments 124 128
Total lease income under operating leases 190 193
Operating Revenues    
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Total lease income under operating leases 108 130
Other Income    
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Total lease income under operating leases $ 82 $ 63
v3.20.4
Leases (Minimum Future Rental Revenues under Operating Leases) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]  
2021 $ 62
2022 22
2023 22
2024 22
2025 19
2026 and thereafter 175
Total minimum future rental revenues under operating leases $ 322
v3.20.4
Leases (Property under Operating Leases) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Gross property under operating leases $ 37,997 $ 35,072
Accumulated amortization of property under operating leases 10,028 9,755
Property Under Operating Leases    
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Gross property under operating leases 447 445
Accumulated amortization of property under operating leases $ 197 $ 173
v3.20.4
Leases (Components of Net Investment in Finance Leases) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]  
2021 $ 24
2022 20
2023 19
2024 19
2025 19
2026 and thereafter 253
Total minimum future lease receipts 354
Residual value of leased pipeline 17
Less unearned income 193
Net investment in finance lease 178
Less current portion 9
Net investment in finance lease, noncurrent $ 169
v3.20.4
Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textuals)
 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jul. 23, 2020
USD ($)
plant
Jan. 31, 2021
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
employee
site
facility
plant
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2019
CAD ($)
Jul. 31, 2009
plant
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Expected minimum contribution for community based environmental projects $ 2,000,000            
Utility capital expenditures, expenditures for non-utility businesses, and contributions to equity method investees estimated for next year       $ 4,200,000,000      
Power and Industrial Projects              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Number of generating plants operated with ownership interests held | plant       5      
Labor force concentration risk | Workforce subject to collective bargaining arrangements              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Approximate number of employees | employee       5,200      
Synthetic fuel guarantees              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Number of days after expiration of statutes of limitations       90 days      
Maximum potential liability       $ 400,000,000      
Reduced emissions fuel guarantees              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Number of days after expiration of statutes of limitations       90 days      
Maximum potential liability       $ 581,000,000      
Other guarantees              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Maximum potential liability       50,000,000      
Performance surety bonds              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Performance bonds outstanding       $ 125,000,000      
Reduction of Carbon Emissions by 2023              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Goal to reduce carbon emissions, percentage       32.00%      
Reduction of Carbon Emissions by 2030              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Goal to reduce carbon emissions, percentage       50.00%      
Reduction of Carbon Emissions by 2040              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Goal to reduce carbon emissions, percentage       80.00%      
The Sierra Club              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Amount accrued for settlement       $ 5,000,000      
DTE Gas | NEXUS Pipeline              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Maximum potential liability       $ 209,000,000      
Guarantee termination, minimum threshold, period following end of primary term of capacity lease agreements       2 months      
Texas Eastern Transmission, LP | NEXUS Pipeline              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Maximum potential liability       $ 335,000,000      
Guarantee termination, minimum threshold, period following end of primary term of capacity lease agreements       2 months      
Vector | Revolving Term Credit Facility              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Revolving term credit facility amount           $ 70,000,000  
Maximum potential payments under line of credit       $ 55,000,000      
Vector | NEXUS Pipeline              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Maximum potential liability       $ 7,000,000      
Percentage of all payment obligations due and payable       50.00%      
Guarantee termination, minimum threshold, period following end of primary term of capacity lease agreements       15 years      
DTE Electric              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Number of power plants allegedly in violation | plant             5
Number of power plants with requirement to retire, repower, refuel or retrofit units | plant 4            
Environmental capital expenditures       $ 2,400,000,000      
Estimated capital expenditures       $ 0      
Number of former MGP sites | site       3      
Accrued for remediation related to the sites       $ 10,000,000 $ 8,000,000    
Number of permitted engineered coal ash storage facilities owned | facility       3      
Utility capital expenditures, expenditures for non-utility businesses, and contributions to equity method investees estimated for next year       $ 3,000,000,000.0      
DTE Electric | Labor force concentration risk | Workforce subject to collective bargaining arrangements              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Approximate number of employees | employee       2,800      
DTE Electric | Performance surety bonds              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Performance bonds outstanding       $ 69,000,000      
DTE Electric | Reduction of Carbon Emissions by 2050              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Goal of net carbon emissions, percentage       0.00%      
DTE Electric | CCR and ELG Rules              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Estimated impact of the CCR and ELG rules       $ 721,000,000      
Estimated impact of the CCR and ELG rules, through 2025       $ 601,000,000      
DTE Electric | The Sierra Club              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Civil penalty paid $ 2,000,000            
DTE Gas              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Number of former MGP sites | site       14      
Accrued for remediation related to the sites       $ 24,000,000 $ 25,000,000    
Amortization period for MGP costs (in years)       10 years      
DTE Gas | Cleanup completed and site closed              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Number of former MGP sites | site       8      
DTE Gas | Partial closure completed              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Number of former MGP sites | site       4      
DTE Gas | Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Goal of net greenhouse gas emissions, percentage     0.00%        
DTE Midstream | Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 | Subsequent Event              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Goal of net greenhouse gas emissions, percentage   0.00%          
DTE Midstream | Reduction of Carbon Emissions in the next decade | Subsequent Event              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Goal to reduce carbon emissions, percentage   30.00%          
NEXUS | DTE Gas | NEXUS Pipeline              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Capacity lease agreement term       15 years      
Percentage of all payment obligations due and payable       50.00%      
NEXUS | Texas Eastern Transmission, LP | NEXUS Pipeline              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Capacity lease agreement term       15 years      
Percentage of all payment obligations due and payable       50.00%      
NEXUS | Vector | NEXUS Pipeline              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Capacity lease agreement term       15 years      
v3.20.4
Commitments and Contingencies (Purchase Commitments) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2021 $ 2,998
2022 1,142
2023 804
2024 520
2025 397
2026 and thereafter 1,634
Total purchase commitments 7,495
DTE Electric  
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2021 1,132
2022 246
2023 226
2024 159
2025 209
2026 and thereafter 969
Total purchase commitments $ 2,941
v3.20.4
Nuclear Operations (Details) - DTE Electric
$ in Millions
 4 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
May 16, 2014
kWh
May 15, 2014
$ / MWh
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Policy waiting period     84 days
Insurance coverage for extra expense when power plant unavailable     $ 490
Period of coverage of policy for extra expenses     3 years
Primary coverage for stabilization, decontamination, debris removal, repair and/or replacement of property, and decommissioning     $ 1,500
Excess coverage for stabilization, decontamination, debris removal, repair and/or replacement of property, and decommissioning     1,250
Combined coverage limit for total property damage     2,750
Total limit for property damage for non-nuclear events     1,800
Limit of coverage for aggregate extra expenses for non-nuclear events     $ 328
Period of coverage for extra expenses     2 years
Time period for TRIA after the first loss from terrorism     1 year
NEIL policies against terrorism loss, amount made available to all insured entities (up to)     $ 3,200
Maximum assessment if loss amount exceeds funds available     43
Public liability insurance for a nuclear incident     450
One industry aggregate limit of coverage arising from terrorist act outside scope of TRIA     300
Maximum deferred premium charges that could be levied against each licensed nuclear facility     138
Limit of deferred premium charges per year per facility     $ 20
Company obligated to pay DOE fee of Fermi 2 electricity generated and sold (in dollars per MWh) | $ / MWh   1  
New DOE fee for Fermi 2 electricity generated and sold (KWh) | kWh 0    
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Pension Plan - Pension Cost Inclusions) (Details) - Pension plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]        
Service cost   $ 99 $ 84 $ 99
Interest cost   186 219 202
Expected return on plan assets   (334) (325) (329)
Amortization of:        
Net actuarial loss   171 131 176
Prior service cost   1 1 0
Settlements $ 22 25 2 0
Net pension cost/other postretirement cost (credit)   $ 148 $ 112 $ 148
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Pension Plan - Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations recognized in Reg Assets and OCI) (Details) - Pension plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)    
Net actuarial loss $ 137 $ 156
Amortization of net actuarial loss (193) (133)
Amortization of prior service cost (1) (1)
Total recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss) (57) 22
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost, Regulatory assets, and Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 91 $ 134
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Pension Plan - Reconciliation of Obligations, Assets and Funded Status of Plans) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Amounts recognized in Regulatory assets        
Regulatory assets $ 4,257 $ 4,257 $ 4,176  
Pension plan        
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]        
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year 5,843 5,843 5,387  
Change in projected benefit obligation        
Projected/Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, beginning of year   5,810 5,124  
Service cost   99 84 $ 99
Interest cost   186 219 202
Actuarial loss   619 719  
Special termination benefits   3 0  
Benefits paid   (353) (336)  
Settlements (60) (60) 0  
Projected/Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, end of year 6,304 6,304 5,810 5,124
Change in plan assets        
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year   4,993 4,273  
Actual return on plan assets   815 888  
Company contributions   102 168  
Benefits paid   (353) (336)  
Settlements (60) (60) 0  
Plan assets at fair value, end of year 5,497 5,497 4,993 $ 4,273
Funded status (807) (807) (817)  
Amount recorded as:        
Current liabilities (10) (10) (9)  
Noncurrent liabilities (797) (797) (808)  
Defined benefit plans liabilities (807) (807) (817)  
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax        
Net actuarial loss 142 142 153  
Prior service cost 3 3 4  
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax 145 145 157  
Amounts recognized in Regulatory assets        
Net actuarial loss 1,949 1,949 1,995  
Prior service credit (11) (11) (12)  
Regulatory assets $ 1,938 $ 1,938 $ 1,983  
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Details Textuals) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 08, 2020
Dec. 31, 2020
Sep. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Contribution of common stock to pension plan       $ 82 $ 100 $ 175
Defined contribution plan, cost recognized       $ 73 65 61
Annual contributions per employee, percentage       4.00%    
Qualified Plan            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Cash contributions to pension plan       $ 10    
DTE Electric            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Defined contribution plan, cost recognized       $ 34 31 29
DTE Electric | Qualified Plan            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Cash contributions to pension plan     $ 60      
DTE Gas            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Annual contributions per employee, percentage       8.00%    
DTE Gas | Qualified Plan            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Cash contributions to pension plan     $ 22      
Pension plan            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Reduction to projected benefit obligation due to settlement   $ 60   $ 60 0  
Reduction to plan assets due to settlement   60   60 0  
Settlement charge   22   25 2 0
Company contributions       $ 102 168  
Contribution of common stock to pension plan $ 82          
Expected return on plan assets for next fiscal year       7.00%    
Pension plan | Qualified Plan            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Company contributions       $ 92 150 175
Contribution of common stock to pension plan       82    
Pension plan | DTE Electric            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Allocated pension benefit costs       106 93 120
Pension plan | DTE Electric | Qualified Plan            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Company contributions       60 100 175
Pension plan | Maximum | Qualified Plan            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year   107   107    
Pension plan | Maximum | DTE Electric | Qualified Plan            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year   $ 100   $ 100    
Other postretirement benefit plan            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Expected return on plan assets for next fiscal year       6.70%    
Retiree health care allowance will increase at lower of the rate of medical inflation or a set percentage   2.00%   2.00%    
Retiree healthcare plan (VEBA)            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Defined contribution plan, cost recognized       $ 15 13 11
Retiree healthcare plan (VEBA) | DTE Electric            
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]            
Defined contribution plan, cost recognized       $ 7 $ 6 $ 5
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Pension Plan - Contributions) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to qualified pension plans $ 102 $ 168  
Qualified Plan      
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to qualified pension plans 92 150 $ 175
Qualified Plan | DTE Electric      
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to qualified pension plans $ 60 $ 100 $ 175
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Pension Plan - Contributions to DTE Energy Company Affiliates Employee Benefit Plans Master Trust) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 08, 2020
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Amount   $ 82 $ 100 $ 175
Pension Plan        
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Number of Shares (in shares) 694,444      
Price per Share (in dollars per share) $ 118.08      
Amount $ 82      
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Pension Plan - Benefits related to Qualified and Nonqualified Pension Plans Expected to be paid in the Next Ten Years) (Details) - Pension plan
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]  
2021 $ 352
2022 363
2023 368
2024 352
2025 360
2026-2030 1,757
Total $ 3,552
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Pension Plan - Assumptions used in Determining the PBO and Net Pension Costs) (Details) - Pension plan
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Projected benefit obligation      
Discount rate 2.57% 3.28% 4.40%
Rate of compensation increase 3.80% 3.85% 3.85%
Cash balance interest crediting rate 2.00% 3.30% 3.70%
Net pension costs      
Discount rate 3.28% 4.40% 3.70%
Rate of compensation increase 3.85% 3.85% 3.85%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.10% 7.30% 7.50%
Cash balance interest crediting rate 3.30% 3.70% 3.70%
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Pension Plan - Target Allocations of Plan Assets) (Details) - Pension plan
Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 100.00%
U.S. Large Capitalization (Cap) Equity Securities  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 18.00%
U.S. Small Cap and Mid Cap Equity Securities  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 3.00%
Non-U.S. Equity Securities  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 16.00%
Fixed Income Securities  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 38.00%
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 14.00%
Private Equity and Other  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 11.00%
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (Pension Plan - Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value $ 5,497 $ 4,993 $ 4,273
Short-term Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 92 99  
Equity Securities, Domestic      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 1,260 1,042  
Equity Securities, International      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 891 709  
Fixed Income Securities, Governmental      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 554 569  
Fixed Income Securities, Corporate      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 1,404 1,452  
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 710 671  
Private Equity and Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 586 451  
Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 1,056 1,396  
Level 1 | Short-term Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 92 99  
Level 1 | Equity Securities, Domestic      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 167 172  
Level 1 | Equity Securities, International      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 100 387  
Level 1 | Fixed Income Securities, Governmental      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 459 569  
Level 1 | Fixed Income Securities, Corporate      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 1 | Hedge Funds and Similar Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 238 169  
Level 1 | Private Equity and Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 1,560 1,452  
Level 2 | Short-term Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 2 | Equity Securities, Domestic      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 2 | Equity Securities, International      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 2 | Fixed Income Securities, Governmental      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 95 0  
Level 2 | Fixed Income Securities, Corporate      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 1,404 1,452  
Level 2 | Hedge Funds and Similar Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 61 0  
Level 2 | Private Equity and Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 2,881 2,145  
Other | Short-term Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Other | Equity Securities, Domestic      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 1,093 870  
Other | Equity Securities, International      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 791 322  
Other | Fixed Income Securities, Governmental      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Other | Fixed Income Securities, Corporate      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Other | Hedge Funds and Similar Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 411 502  
Other | Private Equity and Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value $ 586 $ 451  
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (OPEB - Postretirement Cost Inclusions) (Details) - Other postretirement benefit plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost $ 26 $ 22 $ 27
Interest cost 56 70 69
Expected return on plan assets (128) (96) (143)
Amortization of:      
Net actuarial loss 16 12 11
Prior service credit (19) (9) 0
Net pension cost/other postretirement cost (credit) (49) (1) (36)
DTE Electric      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost 20 16 20
Interest cost 43 53 53
Expected return on plan assets (87) (65) (98)
Amortization of:      
Net actuarial loss 11 5 8
Prior service credit (14) (7) 0
Net pension cost/other postretirement cost (credit) $ (27) $ 2 $ (17)
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (OPEB - Other Changes in Plan Assets and APBO Recognized in Regulatory Assets and OCI) (Details) - Other postretirement benefit plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Other changes in plan assets and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)    
Net actuarial (gain) loss $ (38) $ 34
Amortization of net actuarial loss (16) (12)
Prior service credit (cost) 0 (53)
Amortization of prior service credit 19 9
Total recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss) (35) (22)
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost, Regulatory assets, and Other comprehensive income (loss) (84) (23)
DTE Electric    
Other changes in plan assets and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss)    
Net actuarial (gain) loss (26) 41
Amortization of net actuarial loss (11) (5)
Prior service credit (cost) 0 (33)
Amortization of prior service credit 14 7
Total recognized in Regulatory assets and Other comprehensive income (loss) (23) 10
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost, Regulatory assets, and Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (50) $ 12
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (OPEB - Reconciliation of Obligations, Assets and Funded Status of Plans) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Amounts recognized in Regulatory assets      
Regulatory assets $ 4,257 $ 4,176  
Other postretirement benefit plan      
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation      
Projected/Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, beginning of year 1,751 1,645  
Service cost 26 22 $ 27
Interest cost 56 70 69
Plan amendments 0 (53)  
Actuarial loss 54 153  
Benefits paid (80) (86)  
Projected/Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, end of year 1,807 1,751 1,645
Change in plan assets      
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year 1,819 1,689  
Actual return on plan assets 220 215  
Benefits paid (79) (85)  
Plan assets at fair value, end of year 1,960 1,819 1,689
Funded status 153 68  
Amount recorded as:      
Noncurrent assets 561 454  
Current liabilities (1) (1)  
Noncurrent liabilities (407) (385)  
Defined benefit plans assets (liabilities) 153 68  
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax      
Net actuarial gain (7) (8)  
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax (7) (8)  
Amounts recognized in Regulatory assets      
Net actuarial loss 234 289  
Prior service credit (69) (88)  
Regulatory assets 165 201  
DTE Electric      
Amounts recognized in Regulatory assets      
Regulatory assets 3,563 3,453  
DTE Electric | Other postretirement benefit plan      
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation      
Projected/Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, beginning of year 1,337 1,247  
Service cost 20 16 20
Interest cost 43 53 53
Plan amendments 0 (33)  
Actuarial loss 31 118  
Benefits paid (62) (64)  
Projected/Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, end of year 1,369 1,337 1,247
Change in plan assets      
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year 1,236 1,158  
Actual return on plan assets 145 141  
Benefits paid (61) (63)  
Plan assets at fair value, end of year 1,320 1,236 $ 1,158
Funded status (49) (101)  
Amount recorded as:      
Noncurrent assets 335 266  
Current liabilities 0 0  
Noncurrent liabilities (384) (367)  
Defined benefit plans assets (liabilities) (49) (101)  
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax      
Net actuarial gain 0 0  
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax 0 0  
Amounts recognized in Regulatory assets      
Net actuarial loss 156 193  
Prior service credit (48) (62)  
Regulatory assets $ 108 $ 131  
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (OPEB - Accumulated Postretirement Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) - Other postretirement benefit plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 878 $ 840
Fair value of plan assets 470 454
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of plan assets 408 386
DTE Electric    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 826 795
Fair value of plan assets 442 428
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of plan assets $ 384 $ 367
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (OPEB - Benefits related to Qualified and Nonqualified Pension Plans Expected to be paid in the Next Ten Years) (Details) - Other postretirement benefit plan
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2021 $ 82
2022 87
2023 91
2024 92
2025 95
2026-2030 497
Total 944
DTE Electric  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2021 62
2022 66
2023 69
2024 70
2025 72
2026-2030 376
Total $ 715
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (OPEB - Assumptions used in Determining the PBO and Net Pension Costs) (Details)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation      
Ultimate health care trend rate     4.50%
Other postretirement benefit costs      
Ultimate health care trend rate     4.50%
Other postretirement benefit plan      
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation      
Discount rate 2.58% 3.29% 4.40%
Health care trend rate pre- 65 6.75% 6.75% 6.75%
Health care trend post- 65 7.25% 7.25% 7.25%
Ultimate health care trend rate 4.50% 4.50% 4.50%
Other postretirement benefit costs      
Discount rate 3.29% 4.40% 3.70%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.20% 7.30% 7.75%
Health care trend rate pre- 65 6.75% 6.75% 6.75%
Health care trend post- 65 7.25% 7.25% 7.25%
Ultimate health care trend rate 4.50% 4.50% 4.50%
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (OPEB - Target Allocations of Plan Assets) (Details) - Other postretirement benefit plan
Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 100.00%
U.S. Large Cap Equity Securities  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 11.00%
U.S. Small Cap and Mid Cap Equity Securities  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 2.00%
Non-U.S. Equity Securities  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 10.00%
Fixed Income Securities  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 52.00%
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 11.00%
Private Equity and Other  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Target allocation percentage of assets 14.00%
v3.20.4
Retirement Benefits and Trusteed Assets (OPEB - Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - Other postretirement benefit plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value $ 1,960 $ 1,819 $ 1,689
Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 196 458  
Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 539 256  
Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 1,225 1,105  
Short-term Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 21 80  
Short-term Investments | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 21 80  
Short-term Investments | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Short-term Investments | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Equity Securities, Domestic      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 251 324  
Equity Securities, Domestic | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 51 51  
Equity Securities, Domestic | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Equity Securities, Domestic | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 200 273  
Equity Securities, International      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 201 271  
Equity Securities, International | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 23 182  
Equity Securities, International | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Equity Securities, International | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 178 89  
Fixed Income Securities, Governmental      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 85 74  
Fixed Income Securities, Governmental | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 40 74  
Fixed Income Securities, Governmental | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 45 0  
Fixed Income Securities, Governmental | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Fixed Income Securities, Corporate      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 856 507  
Fixed Income Securities, Corporate | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Fixed Income Securities, Corporate | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 477 256  
Fixed Income Securities, Corporate | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 379 251  
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 202 253  
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 61 71  
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 17 0  
Hedge Funds and Similar Investments | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 124 182  
Private Equity and Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 344 310  
Private Equity and Other | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Private Equity and Other | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Private Equity and Other | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 344 310  
DTE Electric      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 1,320 1,236 $ 1,158
DTE Electric | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 128 310  
DTE Electric | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 363 168  
DTE Electric | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 829 758  
DTE Electric | Short-term Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 14 55  
DTE Electric | Short-term Investments | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 14 55  
DTE Electric | Short-term Investments | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
DTE Electric | Short-term Investments | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
DTE Electric | Equity Securities, Domestic      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 164 219  
DTE Electric | Equity Securities, Domestic | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 33 34  
DTE Electric | Equity Securities, Domestic | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
DTE Electric | Equity Securities, Domestic | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 131 185  
DTE Electric | Equity Securities, International      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 133 184  
DTE Electric | Equity Securities, International | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 16 124  
DTE Electric | Equity Securities, International | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
DTE Electric | Equity Securities, International | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 117 60  
DTE Electric | Fixed Income Securities, Governmental      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 55 48  
DTE Electric | Fixed Income Securities, Governmental | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 24 48  
DTE Electric | Fixed Income Securities, Governmental | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 31 0  
DTE Electric | Fixed Income Securities, Governmental | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
DTE Electric | Fixed Income Securities, Corporate      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 584 344  
DTE Electric | Fixed Income Securities, Corporate | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
DTE Electric | Fixed Income Securities, Corporate | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 321 168  
DTE Electric | Fixed Income Securities, Corporate | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 263 176  
DTE Electric | Hedge Funds and Similar Investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 135 172  
DTE Electric | Hedge Funds and Similar Investments | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 41 49  
DTE Electric | Hedge Funds and Similar Investments | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 11 0  
DTE Electric | Hedge Funds and Similar Investments | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 83 123  
DTE Electric | Private Equity and Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 235 214  
DTE Electric | Private Equity and Other | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
DTE Electric | Private Equity and Other | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
DTE Electric | Private Equity and Other | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value $ 235 $ 214  
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textuals)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Authorized limit of common stock shares (in shares) 16,500,000    
Performance units price per unit (in dollars per share) 1.00    
DTE Electric | DTE Energy      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Compensation cost charged against income (in millions) | $ $ 37 $ 43 $ 38
Stock Options      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Maximum award per employee (in shares) 500,000    
Restricted Stock Awards      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Maximum award per employee (in shares) 150,000    
Award vesting period 3 years    
Compensation cost charged against income (in millions) | $ $ 13 $ 11 $ 11
Performance Share Awards      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Maximum award per employee (in shares) 300,000    
Award vesting period 3 years    
Performance Units      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Maximum award per employee (in shares) 1,000,000    
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation (Components of Stock Based Compensation) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Components of stock based-compensation [Abstract]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 63 $ 71 $ 64
Tax benefit 12 13 13
Stock-based compensation cost capitalized in Property, plant, and equipment $ 0 $ 16 $ 11
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation (Activity Relating to Performance Share Awards) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Compensation Expense Recorded [Line Items]      
Compensation expense $ 63 $ 71 $ 64
Performance Share Awards      
Compensation Expense Recorded [Line Items]      
Weighted grant date fair value of awards granted (in dollars per share) $ 129.68 $ 115.85 $ 105.64
Awards settled in cash $ 21 $ 19 $ 13
Awards settled in stock 53 79 39
Compensation expense $ 50 $ 60 $ 53
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation (Performance Share Awards Activity) (Details) - Performance shares - $ / shares
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Performance Shares      
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) 1,226,031    
Grants (in shares) 383,813    
Forfeitures (in shares) (43,768)    
Payouts (in shares) (438,639)    
Balance at end of period (in shares) 1,127,437 1,226,031  
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value      
Balance at beginning of period (in dollars per share) $ 107.35    
Grants (in dollars per share) 129.68 $ 115.85 $ 105.64
Forfeitures (in dollars per share) 116.94    
Payouts (in dollars per share) 99.22    
Balance at end of period (in dollars per share) $ 117.06 $ 107.35  
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation (Unrecognized Compensation Costs) (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Share Based Compensation Unrecognized and Non-Vested Cost [Line Items]  
Unrecognized Compensation Cost $ 68
Weighted Average to be Recognized 1 year 2 months 8 days
Stock awards  
Share Based Compensation Unrecognized and Non-Vested Cost [Line Items]  
Unrecognized Compensation Cost $ 19
Weighted Average to be Recognized 1 year 7 months 6 days
Performance shares  
Share Based Compensation Unrecognized and Non-Vested Cost [Line Items]  
Unrecognized Compensation Cost $ 49
Weighted Average to be Recognized 1 year 14 days
v3.20.4
Segment and Related Information (Details Textuals)
customer in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
customer
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Number of electric utility customers 2.2
Number of gas utility customers 1.3
v3.20.4
Segment and Related Information (Financial Data - Inter-Segment Billing) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Sep. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues $ (3,288) $ (3,284) $ (2,583) $ (3,022) $ (3,148) $ (3,119) $ (2,888) $ (3,514) $ (12,177) $ (12,669) $ (14,212)
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 (5,332) (6,031) (7,542)
Electric                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 (5,520) (5,229) (5,298)
Gas                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 (1,414) (1,482) (1,436)
Gas Storage and Pipelines                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 (754) (501) (485)
Power and Industrial Projects                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 (1,224) (1,560) (2,204)
Energy Trading                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 (3,863) (4,610) (5,557)
Reclassifications and Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 600 715 771
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 525 647 707
Reclassifications and Eliminations | Electric                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 61 56 52
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 2    
Reclassifications and Eliminations | Gas                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 16 12 12
Reclassifications and Eliminations | Gas Storage and Pipelines                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 26 27 36
Reclassifications and Eliminations | Power and Industrial Projects                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 464 596 642
Reclassifications and Eliminations | Energy Trading                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 31 22 27
Reclassifications and Eliminations | Corporate and Other                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues                 $ 2 $ 2 $ 2
v3.20.4
Segment and Related Information (Financial Data - Operating Revenues Including Inter-Segment Revenues) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Sep. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations                 $ 6,845 $ 6,638 $ 6,670
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 5,332 6,031 7,542
Depreciation and amortization                 1,443 1,263 1,124
Interest expense                 720 641 559
Interest income                 (38) (17) (12)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees                 132 111 132
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)                 167 152 98
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company $ 275 $ 476 $ 277 $ 340 $ 267 $ 319 $ 182 $ 401 1,368 1,169 1,120
Investments in equity method investees 1,868       1,862       1,868 1,862 1,771
Capital expenditures and acquisitions                 3,983 5,467 2,713
Goodwill 2,466       2,464       2,466 2,464 2,293
Total Assets 45,496       42,268       45,496 42,268 36,288
Gas Storage and Pipelines                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Investments in equity method investees 1,691       1,685       1,691 1,685  
Operating Segments | Electric                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations                 5,506 5,224 5,298
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 14 5 0
Depreciation and amortization                 1,057 949 836
Interest expense                 337 315 283
Interest income                 (4) (2) 0
Equity in earnings of equity method investees                 0 1 0
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)                 108 137 193
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company                 777 714 664
Investments in equity method investees 6       5       6 5 7
Capital expenditures and acquisitions                 2,701 2,368 1,979
Goodwill 1,208       1,208       1,208 1,208 1,208
Total Assets 26,588       24,617       26,588 24,617 22,501
Operating Segments | Gas                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations                 1,414 1,482 1,436
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 0 0 0
Depreciation and amortization                 157 144 133
Interest expense                 80 78 70
Interest income                 (5) (6) (6)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees                 1 2 2
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)                 48 62 67
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company                 186 185 150
Investments in equity method investees 12       11       12 11 12
Capital expenditures and acquisitions                 574 530 460
Goodwill 743       743       743 743 743
Total Assets 6,339       5,717       6,339 5,717 5,378
Operating Segments | Gas Storage and Pipelines                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations                 0 0 0
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 754 501 485
Depreciation and amortization                 151 94 82
Interest expense                 113 73 68
Interest income                 (9) (8) (9)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees                 106 97 123
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)                 116 74 68
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company                 315 204 235
Investments in equity method investees 1,691       1,685       1,691 1,685 1,585
Capital expenditures and acquisitions                 517 2,510 176
Goodwill 472       470       472 470 299
Total Assets 5,068       4,832       5,068 4,832 3,161
Operating Segments | Power and Industrial Projects                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations                 0 0 0
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 1,224 1,560 2,204
Depreciation and amortization                 72 69 67
Interest expense                 37 33 31
Interest income                 (22) (9) (9)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees                 17 14 3
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)                 (40) (63) (195)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company                 134 133 161
Investments in equity method investees 125       130       125 130 134
Capital expenditures and acquisitions                 186 54 91
Goodwill 26       26       26 26 26
Total Assets 696       537       696 537 495
Operating Segments | Energy Trading                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations                 0 0 0
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 3,863 4,610 5,557
Depreciation and amortization                 5 6 5
Interest expense                 6 8 6
Interest income                 (2) (4) (3)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees                 0 0 0
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)                 12 17 13
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company                 36 49 39
Investments in equity method investees 0       0       0 0 0
Capital expenditures and acquisitions                 5 5 5
Goodwill 17       17       17 17 17
Total Assets 807       798       807 798 909
Operating Segments | Corporate and Other                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations                 0 0 0
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 2 2 3
Depreciation and amortization                 1 1 1
Interest expense                 331 266 220
Interest income                 (180) (120) (104)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees                 8 (3) 4
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)                 (77) (75) (48)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company                 (80) (116) (129)
Investments in equity method investees 34       31       34 31 33
Capital expenditures and acquisitions                 0 0 2
Goodwill 0       0       0 0 0
Total Assets 8,071       7,610       8,071 7,610 6,153
Reclassifications and Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations                 (75) (68) (64)
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 (525) (647) (707)
Depreciation and amortization                 0 0 0
Interest expense                 (184) (132) (119)
Interest income                 184 132 119
Equity in earnings of equity method investees                 0 0 0
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)                 0 0 0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to DTE Energy Company                 0 0 0
Investments in equity method investees 0       0       0 0 0
Capital expenditures and acquisitions                 0 0 0
Goodwill 0       0       0 0 0
Total Assets $ (2,073)       $ (1,843)       (2,073) $ (1,843) $ (2,309)
Reclassifications and Eliminations | Electric                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues — Non-utility operations                 $ (2)    
v3.20.4
Related Party Transactions (Transactions with NEXUS) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations $ 6,845 $ 6,638 $ 6,670
Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility 1,719 1,798 1,981
Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility 4,141 5,053 6,630
DTE Electric      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations 5,506 5,224 5,298
Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility 1,397 1,390 1,552
NEXUS | Equity Method Investee | DTE Gas      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues — Utility operations 32 32 6
Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility 21 22 1
NEXUS | Equity Method Investee | DTE Electric      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Fuel, purchased power, and gas — utility 8 8 1
NEXUS | Equity Method Investee | DTE Energy Trading      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Fuel, purchased power, gas, and other — non-utility $ 27 $ 13 $ 1
NEXUS | Capacity Lease Agreement | DTE Gas      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Term of agreement 15 years    
NEXUS | Service Agreement | DTE Gas      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Term of agreement 15 years    
NEXUS | Service Agreement | DTE Electric      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Term of agreement 20 years    
v3.20.4
Related Party Transactions (DTE Electric Transactions with Affiliated Companies) (Details) - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Dividends declared $ 796,000,000 $ 714,000,000 $ 653,000,000
Dividends paid 760,000,000 692,000,000 620,000,000
DTE Electric      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Other services 2,000,000 5,000,000 4,000,000
Dividends declared 539,000,000 494,000,000 461,000,000
Dividends paid 539,000,000 494,000,000 461,000,000
DTE Electric | Energy sales      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Revenues and Other Income 8,000,000 10,000,000 9,000,000
DTE Electric | Shared capital assets      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Revenues and Other Income 51,000,000 47,000,000 43,000,000
DTE Electric | Fuel and purchased power      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Costs 16,000,000 9,000,000 7,000,000
DTE Electric | Other services and interest      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Costs 1,000,000 23,000,000 33,000,000
DTE Electric | Corporate expenses      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Costs 367,000,000 372,000,000 377,000,000
DTE Electric | DTE Energy      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Dividends declared 539,000,000 494,000,000 461,000,000
Dividends paid 539,000,000 494,000,000 461,000,000
Capital contribution from DTE Energy 636,000,000 180,000,000 325,000,000
DTE Electric | DTE Energy Foundation      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Charitable contributions to foundation $ 20,000,000 $ 0 $ 0
v3.20.4
Supplementary Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Sep. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Entity Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues $ 3,288 $ 3,284 $ 2,583 $ 3,022 $ 3,148 $ 3,119 $ 2,888 $ 3,514 $ 12,177 $ 12,669 $ 14,212
Operating Income 465 608 367 546 415 450 300 542 1,986 1,707 1,594
Net Income $ 275 $ 476 $ 277 $ 340 $ 267 $ 319 $ 182 $ 401 $ 1,368 $ 1,169 $ 1,120
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 1.42 $ 2.47 $ 1.44 $ 1.77 $ 1.40 $ 1.74 $ 0.99 $ 2.20 $ 7.09 $ 6.32 $ 6.18
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 1.42 $ 2.46 $ 1.44 $ 1.76 $ 1.40 $ 1.73 $ 0.99 $ 2.19 $ 7.08 $ 6.31 $ 6.17
DTE Electric                      
Entity Information [Line Items]                      
Operating Revenues $ 1,295 $ 1,690 $ 1,309 $ 1,212 $ 1,280 $ 1,519 $ 1,190 $ 1,235 $ 5,506 $ 5,224  
Operating Income 206 541 263 214 224 440 223 226 1,224 1,113 $ 1,134
Net Income $ 101 $ 400 $ 183 $ 94 $ 129 $ 307 $ 133 $ 147 $ 778 $ 716 $ 664
v3.20.4
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (shown as deduction from Accounts receivable in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position)      
Balance at Beginning of Period $ 91    
Additions:      
Balance at End of Period 104 $ 91  
DTE Electric      
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (shown as deduction from Accounts receivable in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position)      
Balance at Beginning of Period 46    
Additions:      
Balance at End of Period 57 46  
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts      
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (shown as deduction from Accounts receivable in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position)      
Balance at Beginning of Period 91 91 $ 49
Additions:      
Charged to costs and expenses 103 111 140
Charged to other accounts 50 56 55
Deductions (140) (167) (153)
Balance at End of Period 104 91 91
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | DTE Electric      
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (shown as deduction from Accounts receivable in DTE Energy's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position)      
Balance at Beginning of Period 46 53 31
Additions:      
Charged to costs and expenses 61 65 85
Charged to other accounts 30 36 36
Deductions (80) (108) (99)
Balance at End of Period $ 57 $ 46 $ 53
v3.20.4
Label Element Value
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member