DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy is offering a new economic development service for companies interested in expanding or relocating their operations in Michigan.

DTE Energy and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have partnered to establish a new customer service tool that allows companies to get estimates for rates, connection costs and the necessary electric infrastructure upgrades for major projects for up to five sites in five days or less.

Michigan is the only state that offers this service to site selectors. And it is programs like this that will help propel Michigan's economy forward.

"Energy is the life blood of Michigan's economy, and without a reliable and affordable supply, our economy would simply shut down," Snyder said in a speech about energy in November.

This improvement will provide a streamlined, transparent and consistent method in determining any potential costs for energy upgrades as well as offer the possibility of significantly reducing these costs for companies. Interested businesses will be guided through the process by DTE Energy's Economic Development team.

"The changes being implemented by the utilities are vital in making Michigan more competitive in attracting new investments," said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. "We are continually working to bring innovation to our site selection services, as we continue to showcase Michigan as the single best place to expand a growing business."

To get more information about how to take advantage of this new tool, companies can call DTE Energy toll-free at 855.367.0255 or click on http://www.dteenergy.com/dteEnergyCompany/economicDevelopment/consultExperts.html.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio also includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, unconventional gas production and energy trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

SOURCE DTE Energy