DTE Energy bolsters steps to protect health and safety of employees and customers

Three employees test positive for COVID-19 among ongoing mitigation efforts

DETROIT, March 18, 2020 – DTE Energy cares deeply about the communities in which we live and serve, and its top priority during these unprecedented times is the health and safety of its customers and employees. The company is committed to keeping the public informed about the status of its workforce as it continues to deliver safe and reliable energy to its more than 3 million customers.

Prior to the pandemic declaration, DTE took measures to mitigate exposure for employees and customers. In the last 24 hours, three DTE employees have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, two of DTE’s vendors have reported three positive cases. None of the employees’ or contractors’ jobs involved contact with customers.

“The entire DTE family is keeping everyone impacted by this virus in our thoughts and prayers. We are supporting our impacted coworkers and their families through this difficult time to make sure they are well-taken care of,” said Jerry Norcia, president and CEO, DTE Energy. “My leadership team is working around the clock on our response to the pandemic, and we continue to put the health and safety of our customers and employees first throughout this crisis.”

Among the actions the company has taken to keep its employees and customers safe:

• In all cases where an employee tested positive, their work locations have been isolated and are being sanitized – using procedures in line with CDC guidelines. In one location, the office has been temporarily closed for a deep cleaning. This will not have an impact on DTE’s customers. 
• DTE Medical Services staff notified people who worked with or near the ill employees, and they are being self-quarantined for 14 days to avoid spread of the virus.
• DTE has implemented proactive measures to protect employees working in critical operations such as control rooms.
• DTE is scaling back non-critical work to focus efforts on keeping the electric and gas companies operating safely and reliably. The companies will continue to respond to customers should they have any issues with their energy delivery.
• Tree trimming, as well as outdoor work on the electrical grid and natural gas infrastructure is continuing as scheduled, since people are outside and can practice social distancing while performing their work safely.
• All of our facilities are closed to visitors and non-essential personnel.
• Since Sunday, all employees in roles that can be performed from home without compromising service to customers or each other are working remotely.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects; renewable natural gas; natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage; and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80 percent by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric aspires to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com. 

For further information, members of the media may call:

Randi Berris or Pete Ternes, DTE Energy, 313.235.5555