EXHIBIT 12-19

THE DETROIT EDISON 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)
Net income $ 211 $ 418 $ 417 $ 328




Taxes based on income:
Income taxes 99 260 288 225
Municipal and state 2 3 4 3




Total taxes based on income 101 263 292 228




Fixed charges:
Interest expense 137 278 282 291
Allowance for funds used during construction 3
Interest factor of rents 17 34 34 34




Total fixed charges 157 312 316 325




Earnings before taxes based on income and fixed charges $ 469 $ 933 $ 1,025 $ 881




Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.99 3.18 3.24 2.71