8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

     

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):    December 1, 2004

	Exact Name of Registrant as Specified
	in Charter, State of Incorporation,
Commission	Address of Principal Executive Offices	IRS Employer
File Number	and Telephone Number	Identification No.
1-11607	DTE Energy Company	38-3217752
	(a Michigan corporation)
	2000 2nd Avenue
	Detroit, Michigan 48226-1279
	313-235-4000
1-2198	The Detroit Edison Company	38-0478650
	(a Michigan corporation)
	2000 2nd Avenue
	Detroit, Michigan 48226-1279
	313-235-4000
1-7310	Michigan Consolidated Gas Company	38-0478040
	(a Michigan corporation)
	2000 2nd Avenue
	Detroit, Michigan 48226-1279
	313-235-4000

     Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Item 8.01. Other Events.
	Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
News Release, Dated December 1, 2004

Item 8.01. Other Events.

Today, December 1, 2004, DTE Energy Company issued a news release concerning Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services credit ratings downgrade of DTE Energy Company and its regulated utility subsidiaries, The Detroit Edison Company and Michigan Consolidated Gas Company.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c) Exhibits

     99.1      News Release of DTE Energy Company dated December 1, 2004

Forward-Looking Statements:

This Form 8-K contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to various assumptions, risks and uncertainties. They should be read in conjunction with the “Forward-Looking Statements” section in each of DTE Energy’s, The Detroit Edison Company’s (“Detroit Edison”) and Michigan Consolidated Gas Company’s (“MichCon”) 2003 Form 10-K (which sections are incorporated by reference herein), and in conjunction with other SEC reports filed by DTE Energy, Detroit Edison and MichCon that discuss important factors that could cause DTE Energy’s, Detroit Edison’s and MichCon’s actual results to differ materially. DTE Energy, Detroit Edison and MichCon expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained in this report as a result of new information or future events or developments.

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date:  December 1, 2004
	DTE ENERGY COMPANY (Registrant)
	/s/ Susan M. Beale Susan M. Beale Vice President and Corporate Secretary
	THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY (Registrant)
	/s/ Susan M. Beale Susan M. Beale Vice President and Corporate Secretary
	MICHIGAN CONSOLIDATED GAS COMPANY (Registrant)
	/s/ Susan M. Beale /s/ Susan M. Beale Vice President and Corporate Secretary

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number	Description
99.1	News Release of DTE Energy Company dated December 1, 2004

EX-99

December 1, 2004 Exhibit 99.1

DETROIT EDISON AND DTE ENERGY DOWNGRADED BY S&P

     DETROIT — DTE Energy said it is disappointed by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) actions today downgrading the company’s credit ratings.

     “We are disappointed in the downgrading, however we recognize S&P’s need to see further financial certainty beyond last week’s decision by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in Detroit Edison’s electric rate case,” said Anthony F. Earley Jr., DTE Energy chairman and CEO. “While the rate order represented a convergence of complex issues, there is still work to be done, primarily surrounding the state’s Electric Choice law.

     “Today’s move by S&P reflects the need to complete work related to Electric Choice, but cannot take away from the many positive aspects of the recent MPSC ruling on Detroit Edison’s rates,” Earley said. “The MPSC’s order is the result of hard work and diligence by the Commission and addresses some financial challenges facing the company. The MPSC also set out a framework for addressing many of the fundamental, structural problems with the state’s Electric Choice program.”

     S&P downgraded DTE Energy’s corporate rating from BBB+ to BBB; the company’s business position ranking of six was maintained. DTE Energy’s electric utility subsidiary, Detroit Edison, and natural gas utility subsidiary, MichCon, also were downgraded.

     “We believe that DTE Energy’s financial position will improve as Michigan resolves issues related to the Electric Choice program, thus providing further financial certainty for the investment community. We are hopeful that S&P will then adjust the company’s ratings accordingly,” Earley said.

     DTE Energy is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. DTE Energy’s largest operating subsidiaries are Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, and MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. Information about DTE Energy is available at www.dteenergy.com.

     This news release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to various assumptions, risks and uncertainties. They should be read in conjunction with the forward-looking statements in each of DTE Energy’s, The Detroit Edison Company’s (“Detroit Edison”) and Michigan Consolidated Gas Company’s (“MichCon”) 2003 Form 10-K (which forward-looking statements are incorporated by reference herein), and in conjunction with other SEC reports filed by DTE Energy, Detroit Edison and MichCon that discuss important factors that could cause DTE Energy’s, Detroit Edison’s and MichCon’s actual results to differ materially. DTE Energy, Detroit Edison and MichCon expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained in this report as a result of new information or future events or developments.

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Members of the Media — For Further Information:
Len Singer	Lorie N. Kessler
(313) 235-8809	(313) 235-8807