NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) May 20, 2004--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it assigned its 'BBB-' rating to DTE Energy Trust II's $100 million trust preferred securities, guaranteed by DTE Energy Co. (BBB+/Negative/A-2). The outlook is negative. Proceeds from the transaction will be used for general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2004, the Detroit, Mich.-based company had about $8.4 billion of debt outstanding. The ratings for DTE Energy and its affiliates remain pressured at the current levels pending the resolution of several regulatory issues in 2004. "An interim rate order in the Detroit Edison Co. rate proceeding has provided some clarity, but uncertainty over the ultimate level of recovery continues to be reflected in the negative
