EXHIBIT 12-18

DTE ENERGY COMPANY

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                     
Six
Months Year Ended December 31
Ended
6/30/99 1998 1997 1996




(Millions, except for ratio and percent)
Net income $ 225 $ 443 $ 417 $ 309




Taxes based on income:
Income taxes 27 154 257 221
Municipal and state 2 3 4 3




Total taxes based on income 29 157 261 224




Fixed charges:
Interest expense 165 319 297 291
Allowance for funds used during construction 3
Interest factor of rents 17 34 34 34
Preferred stock dividend factor 7 18 26




Total fixed charges 185 360 349 351




Earnings before taxes based on income and fixed charges $ 439 $ 960 $ 1,027 $ 884




Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.37 2.67 2.94 2.52
Preferred stock dividends $ $ 6 $ 12 $ 16
Dividends meeting requirement of IRC Section 247 $ $ 4 $ 4 $ 4
Percent deductible for income tax purposes 40.00 % 40.00 % 40.00 %
Amount deductible 2 2 2
Amount not deductible 4 10 14
Ratio of pretax income to net income 1.35 1.61 1.69
Dividend factor for amount not deductible 5 16 24
Amount deductible 2 2 2




Total preferred stock dividend factor $ $ 7 $ 18 $ 26