Regulatory Matters (Notes)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Abstract]

REGULATORY MATTERS

REGULATORY MATTERS

DTE Electric Restoration Expense Tracking Mechanism (RETM) and Line Clearance Tracking (LCT) Reconciliation

In January 2012, DTE Electric filed an application with the MPSC for approval of the reconciliation of its 2011 RETM and LCT. The Company's 2011 restoration expenses were higher than the amount provided in rates. Accordingly, DTE Electric requested net recovery of approximately $44 million. On February 28, 2013, the MPSC approved a settlement agreement and authorized a $44 million net surcharge to recover the costs over a three-month period beginning April 1, 2013.

DTE Electric Uncollectible Expense True-Up Mechanism (UETM)

In February 2012, DTE Electric filed an application with the MPSC for approval of its UETM for 2011 requesting authority to refund approximately $9 million consisting of costs related to 2011 uncollectible expense. On February 28, 2013, the MPSC approved a settlement agreement and authorized a $9 million credit to refund the overrecovery over a one-month period beginning in April 1, 2013.

Power Supply Cost Recovery Proceedings

The PSCR process is designed to allow DTE Electric to recover all of its power supply costs if incurred under reasonable and prudent policies and practices. DTE Electric's power supply costs include fuel and related transportation costs, purchased and net interchange power costs, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emission allowances costs, urea costs, transmission costs and MISO costs. The MPSC reviews these costs, policies and practices for prudence in annual plan and reconciliation filings.

2012 Plan Year - In March 2013, DTE Electric filed the 2012 PSCR reconciliation calculating a net under-recovery of approximately $87 million that includes an under-recovery of approximately $148 million for the 2011 PSCR year.