Dte Energy Co 8-K, filed Sep 4, 2024
Dte Energy Co (DTE)
8-K
2024-09-04
For: 2024-09-04
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Added on
April 10, 2026
About this 8-K
Dte Energy Co filed this 8-K on September 4, 2024.
Items reported
- Item 7.01: Regulation FD disclosure
- Item 9.01: Financial statements and exhibits
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): September 04, 2024
Commission File Number: 1-11607
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
Commission File Number: 1-2198
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
Registrants address of principal executive offices: One Energy Plaza , Detroit , Michigan 48226-1279
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (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:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Exchange on which Registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 under Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.12b-2).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
DTE Energy Company (“DTE Energy”) will meet with investors on September 5, 2024. A copy of the slide presentation is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and will be available on DTE Energy's website, www.dteenergy.com on September 4, 2024.
In its business presentation and this filing, DTE Energy discusses 2024 operating earnings guidance. It is likely that certain items that impact the company's 2024 reported results will be excluded from operating results. Reconciliations to the comparable 2024 reported earnings guidance are not provided because it is not possible to provide a reliable forecast of specific line items (i.e. future non-recurring items, certain mark-to-market adjustments and discontinued operations). These items may fluctuate significantly from period to period and may have a significant impact on reported earnings.
In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth in such a filing.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
| Slide Presentation of DTE Energy Company dated September 5, 2024. | |||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). | ||||
Forward-Looking Statements:
This Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various assumptions, risks and uncertainties. It should be read in conjunction with the "Forward-Looking Statements" section in DTE Energy's and DTE Electric Company's (DTE Electric) 2023 Form 10-K and 2024 Forms 10-Q (which section is incorporated by reference herein), and in conjunction with other SEC reports filed by DTE Energy and DTE Electric that discuss important factors that could cause DTE Energy's and DTE Electric's actual results to differ materially. DTE Energy and DTE Electric 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: September 4, 2024 | |||||
DTE ENERGY COMPANY (Registrant) | |||||
/s/David Ruud David Ruud Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||
DTE ELECTRIC COMPANY (Registrant) | |||||
/s/David Ruud David Ruud Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||
Business Update September 5, 2024 EXHIBIT 99.1
Safe harbor statement 2 The information contained herein is as of the date of this document. DTE Energy expressly disclaims any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information or future events or developments. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “could,” “projected,” “aspiration,” “plans” and “goals” signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future results to be materially different from those contemplated, projected, estimated or budgeted. Many factors may impact forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the following: the impact of regulation by the EPA, EGLE, the FERC, the MPSC, the NRC, and for DTE Energy, the CFTC and CARB, as well as other applicable governmental proceedings and regulations, including any associated impact on rate structures; the amount and timing of cost recovery allowed as a result of regulatory proceedings, related appeals, or new legislation, including legislative amendments and retail access programs; economic conditions and population changes in our geographic area resulting in changes in demand, customer conservation, and thefts of electricity and, for DTE Energy, natural gas; the operational failure of electric or gas distribution systems or infrastructure; impact of volatility in prices in international steel markets and in prices of environmental attributes generated from renewable natural gas investments on the operations of DTE Vantage; the risk of a major safety incident; environmental issues, laws, regulations, and the increasing costs of remediation and compliance, including actual and potential new federal and state requirements; the cost of protecting assets and customer data against, or damage due to, cyber incidents and terrorism; health, safety, financial, environmental, and regulatory risks associated with ownership and operation of nuclear facilities; volatility in commodity markets, deviations in weather and related risks impacting the results of DTE Energy’s energy trading operations; changes in the cost and availability of coal and other raw materials, purchased power, and natural gas; advances in technology that produce power, store power or reduce power consumption; changes in the financial condition of significant customers and strategic partners; the potential for losses on investments, including nuclear decommissioning trust and benefit plan assets and the related increases in future expense and contributions; access to capital markets and the results of other financing efforts which can be affected by credit agency ratings; instability in capital markets which could impact availability of short and long-term financing; impacts of inflation and the timing and extent of changes in interest rates; the level of borrowings; the potential for increased costs or delays in completion of significant capital projects; changes in, and application of, federal, state, and local tax laws and their interpretations, including the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, rulings, court proceedings, and audits; the effects of weather and other natural phenomena, including climate change, on operations and sales to customers, and purchases from suppliers; unplanned outages at our generation plants; employee relations and the impact of collective bargaining agreements; the availability, cost, coverage, and terms of insurance and stability of insurance providers; cost reduction efforts and the maximization of plant and distribution system performance; the effects of competition; changes in and application of accounting standards and financial reporting regulations; changes in federal or state laws and their interpretation with respect to regulation, energy policy, and other business issues; successful execution of new business development and future growth plans; contract disputes, binding arbitration, litigation, and related appeals; the ability of the electric and gas utilities to achieve net zero emissions goals; and the risks discussed in DTE Energy’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New factors emerge from time to time. We cannot predict what factors may arise or how such factors may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. This document should also be read in conjunction with the Forward-Looking Statements section in DTE Energy’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
3 Continuing best-in-class engagement, health and safety of our employees ✓ Received Gallup Great Workplace Award for 12th consecutive year ✓ 2024 Best Employers award for excellence in health and well-being Addressing our customers’ most vital needs ✓ Continued improvement in reliability for our customers ✓ Focused on well-being of customers during extreme heat in June; distributed hundreds of fans to non-profit agencies, delivered nearly 100,000 bottles of water to 30 community partner agencies and provided wellness checks to our vulnerable customers Supporting our communities ✓ Named one of the most community-minded companies in the U.S. with Points of Light’s Civic 50 award for the 7th consecutive year ✓ Expanding the Energy Efficiency Academy to more partners in Detroit and the Grand Rapids area; 75% of program participants have secured full-time employment Delivering premium shareholder returns ✓ On track to deliver 2024 operating EPS1 guidance that provides 7% growth from 2023 original guidance midpoint • Solid financial strength and constructive regulatory environment allow us to continue to invest above our generated cash flows for improved reliability and cleaner generation ✓ Long-term operating EPS growth rate target of 6% - 8% through 2028 Highly engaged team committed to delivering best-in-class results for our stakeholders 1. Refer to the appendix for information regarding the reconciliation of operating earnings (non-GAAP) to reported earnings
Investing in reliability and cleaner generation • Modernizing electric grid: preparing for impacts of increased extreme weather events and increased demand • Transitioning to cleaner generation: shifting generation from coal to renewables supported by cleaner natural gas and storage • Renewing gas infrastructure: continuing gas main renewal to maintain long- term safety and reliability and reduce GHG emissions • Continuing growth at DTE Vantage through strong development pipeline in RNG, large custom energy solutions and carbon capture and sequestration projects Continued focus on customer affordability • Distinctive continuous improvement culture drives cost management • Shift from coal to renewables and natural gas drives fuel and O&M cost reductions • Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) supports transition to cleaner energy while supporting customer affordability goals • Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) reduces future costs to customers by up to $2.5 billion Executing customer-focused capital investment plan while maintaining affordability 4 ~$25 billion DTE Electric DTE Gas DTE Vantage $20 $3.7 $1.0 - $1.5 5-year investment plan (2024 – 2028) Investing 95% in utilities (billions) 10-year investment plan of over $50 billion 1.2% 5.3% 6.5% DTE Electric Great Lakes average National average Electric bill increase well below national average Average annual residential bill growth since 20201 1. Source: Energy Information Administration (EIA)
DTE Electric: transformational investments in distribution and generation 5 $4 $9 $7 2024 - 2028 Base infrastructure Cleaner generation DTE Electric investment (billions) $20 Distribution infrastructure 1. Definition of net zero included in the appendix Achieving success in cleaner generation and reliability in 2024 • Initiated construction of 220-megawatt battery energy storage center at site of former Trenton Channel power plant; expected to be operational in 2026, will be the largest standalone battery energy storage project in the Great Lakes region • Filed rate case in March that underpins customer-focused investments in system reliability, grid modernization and cleaner generation while managing customer affordability • Continued progress automating and rebuilding the electric grid − Automated reclosers saving significant customer outage minutes; targeting to update entire system over the next five years − Continuing infrastructure rebuild by converting 4.8 kV system to 13.2 kV Capital investment plan focused on building the grid of the future and transitioning to cleaner generation • Transforming generation by targeting carbon emission reductions of 85% in 2032, 90% by 2040 and net zero1 by 2050 − Cleaner generation investment driven by expanded renewables and utility-scale energy storage; provides more affordable energy for customers over the long term − Renewable investment supports continued success of MIGreenPower voluntary program
Rate case underpins next step in our $9 billion grid reliability and $7 billion cleaner generation investment commitment while maintaining affordability 6 Committed to improve reliability… • Creating a more reliable grid over the next five years, reducing power outages by 30% and cutting outage time in half by 2029 − Accelerating the deployment of grid automation technology and rebuilding significant portions of aging grid − Upgrading existing infrastructure including stronger poles and fiberglass crossarms which can better withstand extreme weather − Continuing to trim trees around equipment and power lines; trees falling and damaging our equipment accounts for over 50% of customer outages …while transitioning to cleaner generation and keeping bill increases below national average • Transitioning to cleaner generation and ending coal use in 2032 to reduce carbon emissions − Ceasing coal use at Belle River power plant in 2026; converting to a natural gas peaking resource − Retiring two coal units at Monroe power plant in 2028; retiring the remaining two units in 2032 − Repurposing the former Trenton Channel power plant to a battery energy storage system; expected to be operational in 2026 99.88 99.91 99.94 99.97 100.00 Baseline 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Targeting above industry median performance by 2029 for average system availability (%) Base investment only
DTE Gas: replacing aging infrastructure to ensure reliability and transition to net zero emissions 7 Gas renewal program Base infrastructure $1.6 $2.1 2024 - 2028 $3.7 DTE Gas investment (billions) Continuing main renewal to improve system reliability in 2024 • Modernizing gas transmission system through continuation of main renewal program • Filed rate case in January focusing on continued system reliability and reducing carbon emissions, with a continued focus on safety and affordability for customers Capital investment focused on infrastructure improvements and decarbonization • Significant investment recovered through Infrastructure Recovery Mechanism to support main renewal − Renewed over 1,700 miles since program inception − Gas renewal investments minimize leaks and reduce costs • Base infrastructure investments enhance transmission, compression, distribution and storage • Targeting to reduce GHG emissions by 65% by 2030, 80% by 2040 and net zero by 2050 − Natural Gas Balance program empowers customers to manage their carbon footprint using both carbon offsets and RNG
DTE Vantage: strategic focus on decarbonization solutions for customers 1. Renewables includes wood and landfill gas facilities 2. Refer to the appendix for information regarding the reconciliation of operating earnings (non-GAAP) to reported earnings 8 Advancing project development and growth in 2024 • Placing an RNG and a large custom energy solutions project into commercial operation in 2024 Capitalizing on a growing preference for cleaner, more efficient energy • Strong development pipeline in RNG, large custom energy solutions and carbon capture and sequestration projects − Expanded long-term, fixed-fee custom energy solutions agreement with Ford Motor Company in Tennessee to build, own, operate and maintain its central utility plant and distribution infrastructure − IRA improves opportunities in decarbonization as enhanced tax credits allow carbon capture, RNG and combined heat and power to be more economic − Strong RNG market growth supported by the federal RFS and California’s LCFS Long-term growth driven by a combination of custom energy solutions, RNG/renewables1 and new decarbonization opportunities • 2024 operating earnings2 guidance of $125 - $135 million; 2028 operating earnings projection of $200 - $210 million − Targeting operating earnings growth of over $15 million annually • $1.0 - $1.5 billion capital investment 2024 - 2028
Maintaining strong cash flows, balance sheet and credit profile 9 Credit ratings S&P Moody’s Fitch DTE Energy (unsecured) BBB Baa2 BBB DTE Electric (secured) A Aa3 A+ DTE Gas (secured) A A1 A Strong balance sheet supports robust customer-focused investment agenda • Customer-focused capital investment plan is supported by consistent, healthy cash flows • Targeting minimal equity issuances of $0 - $100 million annually through 2026 • Effectively managing debt maturities to support long-term plan • Maintaining solid investment-grade credit ratings; targeting 15% - 16% FFO / Debt1 1. Funds from Operations (FFO) is calculated using operating earnings, debt excludes a portion of DTE Gas’ short-term debt and considers 50% of the junior subordinated notes as equity
10 Appendix
2024 operating EPS1 guidance midpoint provides 7% growth over 2023 original guidance midpoint 11 (millions, except EPS) 2024 guidance DTE Electric $1,100 - $1,120 DTE Gas 295 - 305 DTE Vantage 125 - 135 Energy Trading 30 - 40 Corporate & Other (195) - (185) DTE Energy $1,355 - $1,415 Operating EPS $6.54 - $6.83 1. Refer to the appendix for information regarding the reconciliation of operating earnings (non-GAAP) to reported earnings
2024 guidance DTE Electric Base infrastructure $630 New generation 1,200 Distribution infrastructure 1,550 $3,380 DTE Gas Base infrastructure $380 Gas renewal program 335 $715 Non-utility $550 - $650 Total $4,645 - $4,745 2024 guidance Cash from operations1 $3.3 Capital expenditures (4.7) Free cash flow ($1.4) Dividends (0.8) Other - Net cash ($2.2) Debt financing Issuances $4.3 Redemptions (2.1) Total debt financing $2.2 Cash flow and capital expenditures guidance 12 (millions) Cash flow Capital expenditures (billions) 1. Includes equity issued for employee benefit programs
Superior corporate citizenship and community involvement 2023 Edison Electric Institute Business Diversity Excellence Award Environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts are key priorities; aspiring to be the best in the industry Environment • Transitioning towards net zero emissions at both utilities • Accelerating transition to cleaner generation • Protecting our natural resources Social • Focusing on the diversity, safety, well-being and success of employees • Investing in communities • Leader in volunteerism Governance • Focusing on the oversight of environmental sustainability, social and governance • Ensuring board diversity • Providing incentive plans tied to safety and customer satisfaction targets 13 Award-winning commitment to ESG priorities Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award 12 consecutive years 2024 Energy STAR Partner of the Year Award
IRP outlines accelerated path to cleaner energy 77% 31% 15% 17% 19% 20% 18% 12% 2% 24% 27% 34% 20% 3% 4% 6% 6% 6% 1% 22% 32% 42% 62% 2005 2027 2029 2033 2042 Coal Nuclear Natural gas RenewablesStorage Generation mix1 (MWh %) First 5 years (2023 - 2027) • Ceasing coal use at one Belle River unit in 2025 and remaining unit in 2026; converting to 1,300 MW natural gas peaking resource • Adding 1,200 MW of solar • Adding 350 MW of energy storage, increased from 240 MW Second 5 years (2028 - 2032) • Retiring two coal units at Monroe in 2028 and accelerating retirement of two remaining units to 2032 from 2035 • Adding 3,200 MW of solar • Adding 1,000 MW of wind • Adding 430 MW of energy storage Next 10 years (2033 - 2042) • Adding 2,100 MW of solar • Adding 7,900 MW of wind • Adding 1,050 MW of energy storage 14 1. Generation mix subject to change
IRP supports transition to cleaner energy future while focusing on reliability and affordability Accelerating path to cleaner generation… …while continuing to focus on customer affordability and economic development • Transforming generation by targeting carbon emission reductions of 85% in 2032, 90% by 2040 and net zero by 2050 • Ceasing coal use at Belle River power plant in 2026; converting to 1,300 MW natural gas peaking resource • Retiring two coal units at Monroe power plant in 2028; accelerating retirement of remaining two units from 2035 to 2032; studying a range of replacement technology solutions • Accelerating the development of energy storage, targeting 780 MW through 2030 and 1,830 MW by 2042 • Developing 6,500 MW of solar and 8,900 MW of wind by 2042 • Investing over $11 billion in the next 10 years in the cleaner energy transition, supporting more than 32,000 Michigan jobs • Developing more than 15,000 MW of Michigan-generated renewable energy by 2042, the equivalent of powering approximately 4 million homes • Directing an additional $110 million to support most vulnerable customers • Reducing future costs to customers by up to $2.5 billion 15
Energy policy drives Michigan’s clean energy future and supports our cleaner energy journey • Accelerates the pace of decarbonization and deployment of renewables − Renewable compliance standard of 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 − Clean energy standard of 80% by 2035 and 100% by 2040 − Allows MPSC to approve emerging low and zero carbon technologies, including carbon capture and sequestration − Sets 2,500 MW statewide energy storage target − Raises energy efficiency targets and increases incentives − Provides flexibility in meeting targets and off-ramps for resource adequacy, excessive cost and feasibility − Allows financial compensation mechanism on power purchase agreements for renewable energy and energy storage • Supportive of IRP plan and clean energy goals 16
Progressing on EV initiatives Charging Forward Program • Promoting EV education, infrastructure and adoption • Providing residential and commercial rebates, infrastructure support and fleet advisory services • Offering unique solutions such as EV rebates for low and moderate income customers Program-to-date major milestones • Over 1,900 level 2 public chargers approved and nearly 1,400 installed • Over 150 direct current fast charger rebates approved and over 65 installed • 12 electric bus deployments with the local regional transit agencies • 142 electric school buses awarded through the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program 2019 program inception 1.4 million gallons of gasoline saved ~7,000 residential rebates 17
MIGreenPower program continues significant growth ~1,800 business customers ~100,000 residential customers 2,440 MW subscribed • Allows customers to attribute up to 100% of electricity use to renewable sources • Recognized by National Renewable Energy Laboratory as having the largest Green Tariff program in the country, fulfilling more load under contracted subscriptions than any other program • Two largest renewable energy purchases from a utility announced with Ford Motor Company and Stellantis Voluntary renewable customers 18
Natural Gas Balance program empowers customers to manage their carbon footprint • Affordable way to address up to 100% of carbon emissions from natural gas usage in heating, water heaters, cooking and other home uses without adjusting a customer’s energy use or making changes to their home • RNG will be sourced by transforming landfill emissions and wastewater treatment plant by-products into usable gas • Carbon offset program is focused on protecting Michigan forests that naturally absorb greenhouse gases • Partnered with Anew, the nation’s largest carbon offset developer, on the Greenleaf Improved Forest Management project in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to protect and preserve forests 2021 program inception ~13,000 customers subscribed ~47,000 metric tons of CO2-e have been offset 19
$2.7b invested with Michigan businesses in 2023 $890m invested with Detroit suppliers in 2023 $990m invested with suppliers owned by women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community and disability-owned businesses in 2023 60+ supplier diversity awards earned since 2018 77,000 jobs created since 2010 Building on the momentum of the last decade, committed to Michigan investments and supplier diversity $28 $95 $215 $82 $120 $294 2023 Michigan spend (millions) 20
Economic development fuels Michigan’s growth ✓ Michigan ranked in the top 10 by CNBC for America’s Top States for Business in 2024 ✓ $4 billion General Motors investment to convert an assembly plant to produce full-size electric pickup trucks, creating 2,300 jobs ✓ $2.5 billion Henry Ford Health, Detroit Pistons and Michigan State University investment in Detroit for hospital expansion, research facility and neighborhood redevelopment in Detroit’s New Center Area ✓ $1.75 billion Ilitch Organization and University of Michigan investment for an innovation campus that will bring research and innovation firms together across Downtown Detroit ✓ $1.7 billion LG Energy Solution investment to expand battery manufacturing facility, creating 1,200 jobs ✓ $1 billion in federal funding to develop a new hydrogen production plant and a refueling center, creating 1,500 jobs ✓ $425 million Copperwood Resources Inc. investment to open Copperwood Mine to supply copper material for the mobility and clean tech industries, creating 380 jobs ✓ $400 million Nel Hydrogen investment for a new manufacturing facility to produce green hydrogen, creating 500 jobs 21
Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI); creating a safe and welcoming environment Health and safety of our people is a priority • Multiple safety committees spanning all levels of the company providing input into safety plans, addressing unique challenges of each business unit • Earned Accident Prevention Certificate from the American Gas Association by achieving a DART1 incident rate below the industry average Commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce • Office of DEI led by our CEO and key executive leaders • Focused on sustaining a diverse workforce which is representative of the communities we serve • Annual review of compensation practices to ensure equitable pay • Formal training programs, including unconscious bias training, for employees and leaders Employees with disabilities group Latino and Hispanic group Young professionals group LGBTQ+ group Black professionals group Family oriented group Asian and Middle Eastern American group Military veterans group Women’s group Employee groups create an inclusive environment where differences are celebrated and a sense of belonging exists for all employees 1. Days away, restricted or transferred 22
9.5 years average tenure 4 - 7 8 - 11 >11 Governance framework provides shareholder rights and enables sustainable value creation Best-in-class governance practices • Lead Independent Director • All board committees are composed exclusively of independent Directors • Stock ownership guidelines for non-employee Directors • Majority voting standard • Annual Director elections • Established corporate governance guidelines • Publication of Sustainability report • Shareholder ability to call a special meeting • No supermajority voting provisions to approve mergers or amend charter • Overboarding policy 11 1 92% independent 4 8 33% gender or ethnically diverse 65 - 69 70 - 7460 - 64 68 years average age <4 23 Composition of DTE Board of Directors
Annual or long-term incentive metrics Our team • Employee engagement • Employee safety Our customers • Customer satisfaction • System reliability Our communities • Customer satisfaction • System reliability Our investors • EPS • Cash flow • Relative total shareholder return Executive management compensation plan is aligned with our stakeholder priorities 24
Reconciliation of reported to operating earnings (non-GAAP) 25 Use of Operating Earnings Information – Operating earnings exclude non-recurring items, certain mark-to-market adjustments and discontinued operations. DTE Energy management believes that operating earnings provide a meaningful representation of the company’s earnings from ongoing operations and uses operating earnings as the primary performance measurement for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, DTE Energy uses operating earnings to measure performance against budget and to report to the Board of Directors. Operating earnings is a non-GAAP measure and should be viewed as a supplement and not a substitute for reported earnings, which represents the company’s net income and the most comparable GAAP measure. In this presentation, DTE Energy provides guidance for future period operating earnings. It is likely that certain items that impact the company’s future period reported results will be excluded from operating results. A reconciliation to the comparable future period reported earnings is not provided because it is not possible to provide a reliable forecast of specific line items (i.e., future non-recurring items, certain mark-to-market adjustments and discontinued operations). These items may fluctuate significantly from period to period and may have a significant impact on reported earnings. Definition of net zero Goal for DTE Energy's utility operations and gas suppliers at DTE Gas that any carbon emissions put into the atmosphere will be balanced by those taken out of the atmosphere. Achieving this goal will include collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions and actions to offset any remaining emissions. Progress towards net zero goals is estimated and methodologies and calculations may vary from those of other utility businesses with similar targets. Carbon emissions is defined as emissions of carbon containing compounds, including carbon dioxide and methane, that are identified as greenhouse gases.