DTE Energy 2014 Annual Report Download - page 22

Failure to attract and retain key executive officers and other skilled professional and technical employees could have an adverse effect on our
operations. Our business is dependent on our ability to attract and retain skilled employees. Competition for skilled employees in some areas is high and the
inability to attract and retain these employees could adversely affect our business and future operating results. In addition, we have an aging utility workforce
and the failure of a successful transfer of knowledge and expertise could negatively impact our operations.
A work interruption may adversely affect us. There are several bargaining units for the Company's approximately 4,900 represented employees. The
majority of represented employees are under contracts that expire in 2016 and 2017. A union choosing to strike would have an impact on our business. We
are unable to predict the effect a work stoppage would have on our costs of operation and financial performance.
If our goodwill becomes impaired, we may be required to record a charge to earnings. We annually review the carrying value of goodwill associated
with acquisitions made by the Company for impairment. Factors that may be considered for purposes of this analysis include any change in circumstances
indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill may not be recoverable such as a decline in stock price and market capitalization, future cash flows, and
slower growth rates in our industry. We cannot predict the timing, strength or duration of any economic slowdown or subsequent recovery, worldwide or in
the economy or markets in which we operate; however, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be
recoverable, the Company may take a non-cash impairment charge, which could potentially materially impact our results of operations and financial
position.
The Company's businesses have safety risks. The Company's electric and gas distribution systems, power plants, gas infrastructure, wind energy equipment
and other facilities could be involved in incidents that result in injury or property loss to employees, customers, or the public. Although we have insurance
coverage for many potential incidents, depending upon the nature and severity of any incident, the Company could experience financial loss, damage to its
reputation, and negative consequences from regulatory agencies or other public authorities.
We may not be fully covered by insurance. We have a comprehensive insurance program in place to provide coverage for various types of risks, including
catastrophic damage as a result of acts of God, terrorism or a combination of other significant unforeseen events that could impact our operations. Economic
losses might not be covered in full by insurance or our insurers may be unable to meet contractual obligations.
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None.
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For more information on material legal proceedings and matters related to us and our subsidiaries, see Notes 8 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 8 of this Report, "Regulatory Matters" and "Commitments and Contingencies".
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Not applicable.
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