Is DTE's ad $$$ influencing local media coverage of power outages?

[MWmetalhead]

The gas and electric businesses are not separate publicly traded companies, so yes, that earlier number from me is for the fully consolidated enterprise.

In essence, we are "taxed" about five percent on our DTE bills so that they can turn around and pay dividends. I am unsure how that compares to other privately owned utility companies. I'm too lazy to look right now.

[Rate This]

The gas and electric businesses are not separate publicly traded companies, so yes, that earlier number from me is for the fully consolidated enterprise.

In essence, we are "taxed" about five percent on our DTE bills so that they can turn around and pay dividends. I am unsure how that compares to other privately owned utility companies. I'm too lazy to look right now.

Wouldn’t any business essentially be doing the same by raising prices to continue or increase their level of profit? This sounds like capitalism 101 to me…

[Mega Hertz]

The gas and electric businesses are not separate publicly traded companies, so yes, that earlier number from me is for the fully consolidated enterprise.

In essence, we are "taxed" about five percent on our DTE bills so that they can turn around and pay dividends. I am unsure how that compares to other privately owned utility companies. I'm too lazy to look right now.

Wouldn’t any business essentially be doing the same by raising prices to continue or increase their level of profit? This sounds like capitalism 101 to me…

Ain't it great?

[dial-it-in]

The gas and electric businesses are not separate publicly traded companies, so yes, that earlier number from me is for the fully consolidated enterprise.

In essence, we are "taxed" about five percent on our DTE bills so that they can turn around and pay dividends. I am unsure how that compares to other privately owned utility companies. I'm too lazy to look right now.

Wouldn’t any business essentially be doing the same by raising prices to continue or increase their level of profit? This sounds like capitalism 101 to me…

Ain't it great?

Well, you both could buy some stock in DTE anytime you like. Its trading right now for about $130 per share. Then you can get in on that dividend and go to shareholder meetings and make your concerns known.
And BTW...I hate DTE.

[MWmetalhead]

Rate This, the only problem with your comment is DTE has minimal competition in its market territory. Sure, there's solar, but that involves a completely different delivery method (installing ugly solar panels on one's roof).

DTE has monopolistic power and should be regulated accordingly.

[Rate This]

Rate This, the only problem with your comment is DTE has minimal competition in its market territory. Sure, there's solar, but that involves a completely different delivery method (installing ugly solar panels on one's roof).

DTE has monopolistic power and should be regulated accordingly.

And in capitalism being a monopoly is the ultimate goal so it sounds like things are functioning A-ok to me.

[dial-it-in]

Rate This, the only problem with your comment is DTE has minimal competition in its market territory. Sure, there's solar, but that involves a completely different delivery method (installing ugly solar panels on one's roof).

DTE has monopolistic power and should be regulated accordingly.

And in capitalism being a monopoly is the ultimate goal so it sounds like things are functioning A-ok to me.

There are some things, even in a capitalist economy, where monopolies (or virtual monopolies) are beneficial. Power supply is one of those things. You really dont want 10 different power companies. In a monopolistic situation a strong regulatory reach is required to prevent abuse; no matter how well intended.

[Rate This]

Rate This, the only problem with your comment is DTE has minimal competition in its market territory. Sure, there's solar, but that involves a completely different delivery method (installing ugly solar panels on one's roof).

DTE has monopolistic power and should be regulated accordingly.

And in capitalism being a monopoly is the ultimate goal so it sounds like things are functioning A-ok to me.

There are some things, even in a capitalist economy, where monopolies (or virtual monopolies) are beneficial. Power supply is one of those things. You really dont want 10 different power companies. In a monopolistic situation a strong regulatory reach is required to prevent abuse; no matter how well intended.

I completely agree.

[Mega Hertz]

The gas and electric businesses are not separate publicly traded companies, so yes, that earlier number from me is for the fully consolidated enterprise.

In essence, we are "taxed" about five percent on our DTE bills so that they can turn around and pay dividends. I am unsure how that compares to other privately owned utility companies. I'm too lazy to look right now.

Wouldn’t any business essentially be doing the same by raising prices to continue or increase their level of profit? This sounds like capitalism 101 to me…

Ain't it great?

Well, you both could buy some stock in DTE anytime you like. Its trading right now for about $130 per share. Then you can get in on that dividend and go to shareholder meetings and make your concerns known.
And BTW...I hate DTE.

Please don't paint me as some anti-capitalist chach. I'm all for earning and paying for services, etc., but I've really had enough of these suits getting millions upon millions when a bad fart knocks out power for 4 days. Millions go to the Vice President of Getting the Coffee and Donuts while you throw all your food out from your fridge. I'm all for profit. But the gluttony gets outrageous. Especially when the whole system is turning to shit.

[Michiganviewer]

Did anyone else get an email from DTE about taking a survey and receiving an Amazon gift card?

The gift card amount worth is $1

[tivoking]

I did about a year ago. Same $1 gift card.

[MWmetalhead]

That puny amount is almost insulting.

[rugratsonline]

Did anyone else get an email from DTE about taking a survey and receiving an Amazon gift card?

The gift card amount worth is $1

$1 is hardly worth anything by itself, except for a can of soda at Walmart -- which doesn't accept Amazon cards.

That being said, it practically costs just as much to package and mail the thing.

If it was $10, I'll say anything. But if it's only a buck -- or no reimbursement at all -- forget it.

[MotorCityRadioFreak]

Did anyone else get an email from DTE about taking a survey and receiving an Amazon gift card?

The gift card amount worth is $1

I got an email from CONsumers for the $5 gift card survey offer. Did their survey twice(because they sent it even after I did the first survey). They didn't even send me the $5 gift card either time.