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September 23, 1997


For Further Information:

Lorie N. Kessler
(313) 235-8807

Mary Kay Bean
(313) 235-8809

DTE ENERGY COMPANY BOARD ADOPTS SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
- -------------------------------------------------------

        DETROIT - The Board of Directors of DTE Energy Company (NYSE/CSE: DTE),
parent of Detroit Edison, today announced the adoption of a new shareholders
rights plan for stockholders of record on Oct. 6, 1997.

        "This action was taken after long and careful consideration," said John
E. Lobbia, DTE Energy chairman and chief executive officer.  "While the plan is
not in response to any pending takeover or proposed change in the control of
the company, it is clearly intended to protect the company and its shareholders
from any potentially coercive takeover practices or bids that would not benefit
DTE Energy and our shareholders."
        
        Share purchase rights plans have become common practice in major
American companies and ensure that all shareholders receive a fair price and
are treated equally in the event of a takeover, Lobbia said.

        Under the plan, one right will be issued for each common share
outstanding on the record date.  Initially the DTE Energy plan calls for the
rights to trade together with DTE Energy common stock.  The rights will not be
exercisable immediately.  However in the absence of further board action, the
rights generally will become exercisable if any person or group acquires 10
percent or more of the outstanding common shares of DTE Energy.  This will
entitle shareholders, other than that person or group, to buy DTE Energy common
stock at a discount.  Under certain circumstances, the plan allows DTE
Energy shareholders the right to buy shares in an acquiring entity at a
discount.

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        The plan includes an option that allows the board of directors to
exchange for common stock all or part of the exercisable rights of shareholders
other than the person or group holding 10 percent or more of DTE Energy common
stock.  Under this option, DTE Energy  typically would issue one share of
common stock for each right.  The number of shares issued in an exchange is
subject to adjustment under the plan.

        The plan includes an option generally allowing the DTE Energy Board of
Directors to redeem all rights for one cent per right at any time before the
rights are exercisable.  Unless redeemed, exchanged or amended by the board of
directors, the rights will expire Oct. 6, 2007.

        This action will not change the way DTE Energy common stock is traded
currently.  Issuing the rights will not affect DTE Energy's reported financial
condition or results of operations, including earnings per share.  In addition,
shareholders will not be subject to federal income tax on the issuance of the
rights.

        DTE Energy Company is a Detroit-based diversified energy company
involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and
services nationwide.  It also is the parent company of Detroit Edison, an
electric utility that serves 2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan.


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