LARA - Detroit Edison's Fermi 2 Power Plant Receives Renewed MIOSHA Recognition of their Workplace Safety and Health Excellence

Detroit Edison's Fermi 2 Power Plant Receives Renewed MIOSHA Recognition of their Workplace Safety and Health Excellence

Contact: Lori Donlan 517-373-9280

Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

October 4, 2007 - Detroit Edison's Fermi 2 Power Plant recently received renewal of its MVPP Star Award, the state's highest workplace safety and health award, from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

"You have demonstrated that you have a company culture that promotes management commitment, employee involvement, and a desire to excel in safety and health," said MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski. "This not only reduces injuries and illnesses in the workplace, but can be a positive experience in promoting safety and health for all."

MIOSHA established the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) program in 1996 to recognize employers actively working toward achieving excellence in workplace safety and health. Since 1999, Michigan has recognized 22 MVPP Star companies. This is the most prestigious safety and health award given in Michigan. Fermi 2 first received MVPP Star approval on July 26, 2004.

Kevin Hlavaty, Fermi 2 plant manager, said the MVPP Star Award is especially significant because it is the result of a sustained commitment by all employees. "This is one of those recognitions that literally everyone on site must work to earn," he said. "And while we all can take a moment to appreciate this achievement, we cannot rest. Maintaining a high level of workplace health and safety requires constant effort and attention and we must always strive to do better."

Kalinowski added, "Your involvement in the MVPP program and the trust and cooperation upon which it is based continue to demonstrate that implementing an outstanding safety and health-management system not only is an admirable goal, but it is achievable as well."

The Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Plant is a 1,100-megawatt boiling water reactor owned and operated by Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving more than 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan. There are about 710 Detroit Edison employees and about 135 contract employees working at Fermi 2. The Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, Local No. 223, represents the utility employees.

The plant, located in Newport, Mich., began commercial operation in 1988. Since that time, the plant has produced more than 128 billion kilowatt hours of electricity for Detroit Edison customers. The plant employs about 900 workers and produces about 15 percent of the power generated by Detroit Edison power plants.

Detroit Edison is an investor-owned electric utility and a subsidiary of DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE), a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Information about DTE Energy is available at www.dtenergy.com.