DTE Energy Receives 2012 Emergency Assistance Award

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today honored DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) with the association's 2012 Emergency Assistance Award for their efforts to help other electric utilities restore power following major weather events that occurred last year.

The electric power industry's Emergency Assistance Award has been presented each year to EEI member electric utility companies since 1998. The award recognizes extraordinary efforts undertaken in restoring electric service to another utility company that has been disrupted by severe weather conditions or other natural events.  DTE Energy was chosen by following an international nomination process, and the award was presented during EEI's Winter CEO meeting.

"DTE Energy's restoration assistance following two major weather events last year – Hurricane Sandy and a series of thunderstorms that devastated the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions – was truly remarkable," said EEI President Tom Kuhn.  "Getting the lights back on quickly and safely following a major storm is never easy.  Working through the industry's mutual assistance program, DTE Energy crews were essential in helping their fellow utility companies restore service in affected neighborhoods. Importantly, DTE Energy assistance also shows their compassion in helping others in their time of need.  I congratulate them."

DTE Energy sent 250 employees and contractors to assist in the massive restoration efforts following the two significant weather events.  Last June, a series of thunderstorms produced winds reaching 90 m.p.h. across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic region, causing more than 3.7 million homes and businesses to lose power.  Then in October, Hurricane Sandy caused more than 8 million power outages across 24 East Coast states – the largest number of power outages ever caused by a single weather event.

"We are honored and flattered to receive EEI's Emergency Assistance Award," said Vince Dow, vice president of distribution engineering and construction for DTE Energy.  "But the truth is, providing assistance to other utilities is a long standing tradition within our industry – and a responsibility we gladly accept.  I'm happy DTE Energy was able to lend a hand to our fellow utilities in their time of crisis – and I know we'll get the same kind of assistance when storms disrupt power to our customers."

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies. Our members serve 95 percent of the ultimate customers in the shareholder-owned segment of the industry, and represent approximately 70 percent of the U.S. electric power industry. We also have more than 65 International electric companies as Affiliate members, and more than 170 industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate members.

SOURCE DTE Energy