Nearly 400 Detroit Edison and contract line workers and support personnel have joined the massive effort to aid electric utilities in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to restore power to millions of customers impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

"Our hearts are with the people who have been uprooted by this devastating hurricane and we've answered the call for help from those electric utilities in areas hard hit by Hurricane Katrina," said Anthony F. Earley Jr., DTE Energy chairman and CEO. "The hurricane has been labeled the worst natural disaster in U.S. history and we want to do our part to help the people so severely impacted by this catastrophic event."

Detroit Edison's response to emergencies, power outages and priority work in Southeastern Michigan will not be affected by our crews working to help restore power in the South. However, some Detroit Edison services, such as new electric hook-ups and project work, may be delayed while crews help to restore power in the hurricane-ravaged states.

"We know our customers will understand the need for us to help these utilities and their customers," Earley said. "Our crews in Southeastern Michigan will be working longer hours and weekends to keep up with the work locally."