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                           THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY
                                       AND
                  BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                     TRUSTEE

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                          TENTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

                          DATED AS OF OctobeR 23, 2002

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                  SUPPLEMENTING THE COLLATERAL TRUST INDENTURE
                            DATED AS OF JUNE 30,1993
                                  PROVIDING FOR
                           5.20% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2012
                           6.35% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2032

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    SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of the 23rd day of October, 2002, between
THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY, a corporation organized and existing under the laws
of the State of Michigan (the "Company"), and BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized under the laws of the
United States of America, having its principal office in The City of Columbus,
Ohio, as trustee (the "Trustee");

    WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee a
Collateral Trust Indenture dated as of June 30, 1993 (the "Original Indenture"),
as supplemented, providing for the issuance by the Company from time to time of
its debt securities; and

    WHEREAS, the Company now desires to provide for the issuance of additional
series of its senior debt securities pursuant to the Original Indenture; and

    WHEREAS, the Company intends hereby to designate series of debt securities
which shall have the benefit of the provisions of Article Four of the Original
Indenture and the other related provisions of the Original Indenture relating to
the grant of security, subject to the release provisions provided for herein,
and which shall have the terms and variations from the provisions of the
Original Indenture as set forth herein; and

    WHEREAS, the Company, in the exercise of the power and authority conferred
upon and reserved to it under the provisions of the Original Indenture,
including Section 1001 thereof, and pursuant to appropriate resolutions of the
Board of Directors, has duly determined to make, execute and deliver to the
Trustee this Tenth Supplemental Indenture to the Original Indenture as permitted
by Sections 201 and 301 of the Original Indenture in order to establish the form
or terms of, and to provide for the creation and issue of, series of its debt
securities under the Original Indenture, which shall be known as the 5.20%
Senior Notes due 2012 and the 6.35% Senior Notes due 2032, respectively; and

    WHEREAS, all things necessary to make such debt securities, when executed by
the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or any Authenticating
Agent and issued upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter and in
the Original Indenture set forth against payment therefor, the valid, binding
and legal obligations of the Company and to make this Supplemental Indenture a
valid, binding and legal agreement of the Company, have been done;

    NOW, THEREFORE, THIS NINTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WITNESSETH that, in order
to establish the terms of series of debt securities, and for and in
consideration of the premises and of the covenants contained in the Original
Indenture and in this Tenth Supplemental Indenture and for other good and
valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, it is mutually covenanted and agreed as follows:

                                   ARTICLE ONE

                              DEFINITIONS AND OTHER
                        PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

    SECTION 1.01. Definitions. Each capitalized term that is used herein and is
defined in the Original Indenture shall have the meaning specified in the
Original Indenture unless such term is otherwise defined herein. The following
terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

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    "Business Day" means any day other than a day on which banking institutions
in The State of New York or the State of Michigan are authorized or obligated
pursuant to law or executive order to close.

    "Capitalization" means the total of all the following items appearing on, or
included in, the consolidated balance sheet of the Company: (i) liabilities for
indebtedness maturing more than 12 months from the date of determination; and
(ii) common stock, common stock expense, accumulated other comprehensive income
or loss, preferred stock, preference stock, premium on capital stock and
retained earnings (however the foregoing may be designated), less, to the extent
not otherwise deducted, the cost of shares of capital stock of the Company held
in its treasury, if any. Subject to the foregoing, Capitalization shall be
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
practices applicable to the type of business in which the Company is engaged and
approved by the independent accountants regularly retained by the Company, and
may be determined as of a date not more than 60 days prior to the happening of
the event for which the determination is being made.

    "Debt" means any outstanding debt for money borrowed evidenced by notes,
debentures, bonds or other securities, or guarantees of any debt.

    "Net Tangible Assets" means the amount shown as total assets on the
consolidated balance sheet of the Company, less (i) intangible assets including,
but without limitation, such items as goodwill, trademarks, trade names,
patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other regulatory assets
carried as an asset on the Company's consolidated balance sheet, and (ii)
appropriate adjustments, if any, on account of minority interests. Net Tangible
Assets shall be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles and practices applicable to the type of business in which the Company
is engaged and approved by the independent accountants regularly retained by the
Company, and may be determined as of a date not more than 60 days prior to the
happening of the event for which such determination is being made.

    "Operating Property" means (i) any interest in real property owned by the
Company and (ii) any asset owned by the Company that is depreciable in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, excluding, in either
case, any interest of the Company as lessee under any lease (except for a lease
that results from a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) that has been or would be
capitalized on the books of the lessee in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.

    "Pledged Bonds" means the related series of Bonds and any other Mortgage
Bonds issued to secure Securities subject to the release provisions provided
herein or in any other supplemental indenture to the Original Indenture.

    "Release Date" means the date as of which all Mortgage Bonds, (i) other than
the Pledged Bonds, including the related series of Bonds, and (ii) other than
outstanding Mortgage Bonds (exclusive of Pledged Bonds), which do not in
aggregate principal amount exceed the greater of 5% of the Net Tangible Assets
of the Company or 5% of the Capitalization of the Company, have been retired
through payment, redemption or otherwise, provided that no default or Event of
Default has occurred and, at such time, is continuing under the Original
Indenture.

    "Sale and Lease-Back Transaction" means any arrangement with any person
providing for the leasing to the Company of any Operating Property (except for
leases for a term, including any renewal or potential renewal, of not more than
48 months), which Operating Property has been or

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is to be sold or transferred by the Company to the person; provided, however,
Sale and Lease-Back Transaction shall not include any arrangement first entered
into prior to the date hereof and shall not include any transaction pursuant to
which the Company sells Operating Property to, and thereafter purchase energy or
services from, any entity, which transaction is ordered or authorized by any
regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company or its operations or
is entered into pursuant to any plan or program of industry restructuring
ordered or authorized by any such regulatory authority.

    "Substitute Mortgage" means a mortgage indenture of the Company, other than
the Mortgage, designated by the Company to the Trustee as a Substitute Mortgage
pursuant to Section 4.03 hereof.

    "Substitute Mortgage Bonds" means any mortgage bonds issued by the Company
under a Substitute Mortgage and delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section
4.03 hereof or pursuant to the comparable provision of any other supplemental
indenture relating to Securities subject to the release provisions.

    "Value" means, with respect to a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, as of any
particular time, the amount equal to the greater of (i) the net proceeds to the
Company from the sale or transfer of the property leased pursuant to the Sale
and Lease-Back Transaction or (ii) the net book value of the property, as
determined by the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles at the time of entering into the Sale and Lease-Back transaction, in
either case multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be equal to
the number of full years of the term of the lease that is part of the Sale and
Lease-Back Transaction remaining at the time of determination and the
denominator of which shall be equal to the number of full years of the term,
without regard, in any case, to any renewal or extension options contained in
the lease.

    SECTION 1.02. Section References. Each reference to a particular section set
forth in this Supplemental Indenture shall, unless the context otherwise
requires, refer to this Supplemental Indenture.

                                   ARTICLE TWO

                        TITLE AND TERMS OF THE SECURITIES

    SECTION 2.01. Title of the Securities; Stated Maturity. This Supplemental
Indenture hereby establishes two separate series of Securities, which shall be
known as the Company's "5.20% Senior Notes due 2012" (the "5.20% Notes"), and
the "6.35% Senior Notes due 2032" (the "6.35% Notes" and together with the 5.20%
Notes, the "Notes"). For purposes of the Original Indenture, each series of the
Notes shall separately constitute a single series of Securities. The Stated
Maturity on which the principal of the 5.20% Notes shall be due and payable will
be October 15, 2012. The Stated Maturity on which the principal of the 6.35%
Notes shall be due and payable will be October 15, 2032.

    SECTION 2.02. Certain Variations from the Original Indenture. (a) The Notes
shall have the benefit of the provisions of Article Four of the Original
Indenture and shall have the benefit of, or be subject to, the other related
provisions of the Original Indenture relating to the grant of security,
including (for avoidance of doubt and not for purposes of limitation) the
Granting Clause, the definitions of "Deliverable Mortgage Bonds," "Deliverable
Securities," "Designated Mortgage Bonds," "Grant," "Mortgage," "Mortgage Bonds,"
"Mortgage Trustee," "Previously Delivered

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Mortgage Bonds," and "Trust Estate," Section 301 (20), Sections 301 (a) (v),
(ix), (x) and (xi), Sections 301 (b) (ii) and (iii), Section 301 (d), and
Sections 601(4) and (8), subject, in each case, to the release provisions
provided for in Section 4.02 herein. In addition, on and after the Release Date,
unless Substitute Mortgage Bonds are issued to secure the Notes, the Notes shall
have the benefit of the additional covenants set forth in Article Three hereof.

    (b) Section 503 of the Original Indenture shall apply to the Notes. The
following shall be an additional condition to defeasance of the Notes under
Section 503: the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
Counsel stating that (i) the Company has received from the Internal Revenue
Service a letter ruling, or there has been published by the Internal Revenue
Service a Revenue Ruling, or (ii) since the date of execution of this
Supplemental Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income
tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall
confirm that, the Holders of such Outstanding Notes appertaining thereto will
not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result
of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same
amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if
such defeasance had not occurred, and, also, to the effect that, after the 123rd
day after the date of deposit, all money and other property as provided pursuant
to Section 503 of the Original Indenture (including the proceeds thereof)
deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying
trustee) pursuant to Section 503 of the Original Indenture to be held in trust
will not be subject to any case or proceeding (whether voluntary or involuntary)
in respect of the Company under any Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or other similar law, or any decree or order for relief in
respect of the Company issued in connection therewith.

    SECTION 2.03. Amount and Denominations; DTC.

    (a) The aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be issued under this
Supplemental Indenture is limited initially to $225,000,000 (in the case of the
5.20% Notes), and $225,000,000 (in the case of the 6.35% Notes) (except, in each
case, as provided in Section 301(2) of the Original Indenture); provided that
the Company may, without the consent of the Holders of the Outstanding Notes of
any series, "reopen" each series of Notes so as to increase the aggregate
principal amount of such Notes Outstanding in compliance with the procedures set
forth in the Original Indenture, including Section 301 and Section 303 thereof,
so long as any such additional Notes have the same tenor and terms (including,
without limitation, rights to security and to receive accrued and unpaid
interest) as the Notes of such series then Outstanding. No additional Notes of a
series may be issued if an Event of Default has occurred with respect to the
applicable series. The Notes shall be issuable only in fully registered form
and, as permitted by Section 301 and Section 302 of the Original Indenture, in
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. The Notes will initially
be issued in global form (the "Global Notes") under a book-entry system,
registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, as depository ("DTC"),
or its nominee, which is hereby designated as "Depository" under the Indenture.

    (b) Further to Section 305 of the Original Indenture, any Global Note shall
be exchangeable for Notes registered in the name of, and a transfer of a Global
Note of any series may be registered to, any Person other than the Depository
for such Note or its nominee only if (i) such Depository notifies the Company
that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depository for such Global Note or
if at any time such Depository ceases to be a clearing agency registered under
the Exchange Act, and, in either such case, the Company does not appoint a
successor Depository within 90 days thereafter, (ii) the Company executes and
delivers to the Trustee a Company Order that such Global Note shall be so
exchangeable and the transfer thereof so registrable or (iii) there shall have

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occurred and be continuing an Event of Default or an event which, with the
giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default
with respect to the Notes of such series. Upon the occurrence in respect of any
Global Note of any series of any or more of the conditions specified in clause
(i), (ii) or (iii) of the preceding sentence, such Global Note may be exchanged
for Notes registered in the name of, and the transfer of such Global Note may be
registered to, such Persons (including Persons other than the Depository with
respect to such series and its nominees) as such Depository, in the case of an
exchange, and the Company, in the case of a transfer, shall direct.

    SECTION 2.04. Certain Common Terms of the Notes.

    (a) The 5.20% Notes shall bear interest at the rate of 5.20% per annum (),
and the 6.35% Notes shall bear interest at the rate of 6.35% per annum on the
respective principal amount thereof from October 23, 2002, or from the most
recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided
for, until the principal of such series of Notes becomes due and payable, and on
any overdue principal and premium and (to the extent that payment of such
interest is enforceable under applicable law) on any overdue installment of
interest at the same rate per annum during such overdue period. Interest on the
Notes will be payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each
year (each such date, an "Interest Payment Date"), commencing April 15, 2003.
The amount of interest payable for any period shall be computed on the basis of
twelve 30-day months and a 360-day year.

    (b) In the event that any Interest Payment Date, redemption date or other
date of Maturity of the Notes is not a Business Day, then payment of the amount
payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business
Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), in
each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date. The interest
installment so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any
Interest Payment Date with respect to any Note will, as provided in the Original
Indenture, be paid to the person in whose name the Note (or one or more
Predecessor Securities, as defined in said Indenture) is registered at the close
of business on the relevant record date for such interest installment, which
shall be the fifteenth calendar day (whether or not a Business Day) prior to the
relevant Interest Payment Date (the "Regular Record Date"). Any such interest
installment not punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be
payable to the registered Holders on such Regular Record Date, and may either be
paid to the person in whose name the Note (or one or more Predecessor
Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date to
be fixed by the Trustee for the payment of such defaulted interest, notice
whereof shall be given to the registered Holders of the applicable series of
Notes not less than ten days prior to such Special Record Date, or may be paid
at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of
any securities exchange on which the Notes may be listed, and upon such notice
as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Original
Indenture. The principal of, and premium, if any, and the interest on the Notes
shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that
purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, in any coin or
currency of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal
tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that payment
of interest may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed to the
registered Holder at the close of business on the Regular Record Date at such
address as shall appear in the Security Register. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
so long as the Notes are Global Notes and are held in book-entry form through
the facilities of the Depository, payments on the Notes will be made to the
Depository or its nominee in accordance with arrangements then in effect between
the Trustee and the Depository.

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    (c) The Notes are not subject to repayment at the option of the Holders
thereof and are not subject to any sinking fund. As provided in the forms of
Note attached hereto as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively, the Notes are
subject to optional redemption, as a whole or in part, by the Company prior to
Stated Maturity of the principal thereof on the terms set forth therein. Except
as modified in the forms of the Notes, redemptions shall be effected in
accordance with Article Twelve of the Original Indenture.

    (d) The Notes shall have such other terms and provisions as are set forth in
the form of Note attached hereto as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, as applicable (each
of which are incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Supplemental
Indenture as if set forth in full at this place).

    SECTION 2.05. Form of Notes. Attached hereto as Exhibit A is the form of the
definitive 5.20% Notes. Attached hereto as Exhibit B is the form of the
definitive 6.35% Notes. If the Company elects to have the Notes secured by
Substitute Mortgage Bonds on and after the Release Date, the terms of the Notes
shall be amended to make appropriate reference to the Substitute Mortgage and
the Substitute Mortgage Bonds; provided, that the consent of Holders shall not
be required in connection with such amendment.

                                  ARTICLE THREE

                              ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

    SECTION 3.01. Limitations on Liens. (a) From and after the Release Date,
unless Substitute Mortgage Bonds are issued to secure the Notes, so long as any
Notes are outstanding, the Company may not issue, assume, guarantee (including
any contingent obligation to purchase) or permit to exist any Debt that is
secured by any mortgage, security interest, pledge or lien ("Lien") of or upon
any Operating Property owned by the Company, whether owned at the Release Date
or subsequently acquired, without effectively securing the Notes (together with,
if the Company shall so determine, any other indebtedness of the Company ranking
equally with the Notes) equally and ratably with the Debt (but only so long as
the Debt is so secured).

    The foregoing restriction will not apply to:

    (i)   Liens on any Operating Property existing at the time of its
          acquisition and not created in contemplation of the acquisition;

    (ii)  Liens on Operating Property of a corporation existing at the time
          the corporation is merged into or consolidated with the Company, or
          at the time the corporation disposes of substantially all of its
          properties (or those of a division) to the Company, provided that
          the Lien is not extended to property owned by the Company
          immediately prior to the merger, consolidation or other disposition
          and is not created in contemplation of the merger, consolidation or
          other disposition;

    (iii) Liens on Operating Property to secure the cost of acquisition,
          construction, development or substantial repair, alteration or
          improvement of such property or to secure indebtedness incurred to
          provide funds for any of these purposes or for reimbursement of
          funds previously expended for any of these purposes, provided the
          Liens are created or assumed contemporaneously with, or within 18
          months after, the acquisition or the completion of substantial
          repair or alteration, construction, development or substantial
          improvement or

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          within 6 months thereafter pursuant to a commitment for financing
          arranged with a lender or investor within such 18-month period;

    (iv)  Liens in favor of the United States or any state or any department,
          agency or instrumentality or political subdivision of the United
          States or any state, or for the benefit of holders of securities
          issued by any of these entities, to secure any Debt incurred for the
          purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or the cost
          of substantially repairing or altering, constructing, developing or
          substantially improving the Operating Property of the Company; or

    (v)   Any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions,
          renewals or replacements), in whole or in part, of any Lien referred
          to in the exceptions listed above, provided, however, that the
          principal amount of Debt secured thereby and not otherwise authorized
          by those exceptions listed above shall not exceed the principal amount
          of Debt, plus any premium or fee payable in connection with any such
          extension, renewal or replacement, so secured at the time of such
          extension, renewal or replacement.

    (b) In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions, from and after
the Release Date, the Company may issue, assume or guarantee Debt secured by a
Lien which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions up to an
aggregate amount which, together with all other of the Company's secured Debt
(not including secured Debt permitted under any of the foregoing exceptions) and
the Value of Sale and Lease-Back Transactions existing at such time (other than
Sale and Lease-Back Transactions the proceeds of which have been applied to the
retirement of certain indebtedness, Sale and Lease-Back Transactions in which
the property involved would have been permitted to be subjected to a Lien under
any of the foregoing exceptions, and Sale and Lease-Back Transactions that are
permitted by the first sentence of Section 3.02 below), does not exceed the
greater of 10% of the Company's Net Tangible Assets or 10% of the Company's
Capitalization. The foregoing restrictions do not limit the Company's ability to
place Liens on (i) the capital stock of any of the Company's subsidiaries or
(ii) the assets of any of the Company's subsidiaries.

    SECTION 3.02. Limitations on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions. So long as
the Notes are outstanding from and after the Release Date, unless Substitute
Mortgage Bonds are issued to secure the Notes, the Company may not enter into or
permit to exist any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction with respect to any
Operating Property (except for leases for a term, including any renewal or
potential renewal, of not more than 48 months), if the purchaser's commitment is
obtained more than 18 months after the later of the completion of the
acquisition, construction or development of the Operating Property or the
placing in operation of the Operating Property or of the Operating Property as
constructed or developed or substantially repaired, altered or improved. This
restriction will not apply if (a) the Company would be entitled pursuant to
Section 3.01(a) above to issue, assume, guarantee or permit to exist Debt
secured by a Lien on the Operating Property without equally and ratably securing
the Notes, (b) after giving effect to the Sale and Lease-Back Transaction,
pursuant to Section 3.01(b) above, the Company could incur, at least $1.00 of
additional Debt secured by Liens (other than Liens permitted by clause (a)), or
(c) the Company applies within 180 days an amount equal to, in the case of a
sale or transfer for cash, the net proceeds (not less than the fair value of the
Operating Property so leased), and, otherwise, an amount equal to the fair value
(as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company) of the Operating
Property so leased to the retirement of Notes or other Debt of the Company
ranking equally with the Notes; provided, however, that any such retirement of
Notes shall be in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Indenture and
the Notes; provided, further, that

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the amount to be applied to such retirement of Notes or other Debt shall be
reduced by an amount equal to the sum of (a) an amount equal to the redemption
price with respect to Notes delivered within such one hundred eighty (180)-day
period to the Trustee for retirement and cancellation and (b) the principal
amount, plus any premium or fee paid in connection with any redemption in
accordance with the terms of other Debt voluntarily retired by the Company
within such one hundred eighty (180)-day period, excluding in each case
retirements pursuant to mandatory sinking fund or prepayment provisions and
payments at maturity.

    SECTION 3.03. Waiver. Section 1109 of the Original Indenture shall apply to
the covenants set forth in Sections 3.01 and 3.02 above at any time such
covenants are in effect.

                                  ARTICLE FOUR

                         SECURITY AND RELEASE PROVISIONS

    SECTION 4.01. Security. Subject to Section 4.02 below, as provided in and
pursuant to Article Four of the Original Indenture, each series of the Notes
will be secured as to payments of principal, interest and premium, if any, by a
series of Mortgage Bonds (the "General and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2002 Series
A", in the case of the 5.20% Notes, and the "General and Refunding Mortgage
Bonds, 2002 Series B", in the case of the 6.35% Notes, or, singly or
collectively, the "Bonds," the "Bonds of the related series" or the "related
series of Bonds") of the Company to be issued concurrently with the issuance of
the Notes under and secured by a Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of October
1, 1924, between the Company and Bank One, National Association, as successor
trustee (the "Mortgage Trustee"), as amended and supplemented by various
supplemental indentures, including the supplemental indenture, dated as of
October 15, 2002 creating the Bonds (collectively, the "Mortgage"), pledged by
the Company for the benefit of the Holders of the respective series of Notes to
the Trustee under this Supplemental Indenture. The Bonds shall be issued in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Notes.

    SECTION 4.02. Release. Until the Release Date and subject to Article Four of
the Original Indenture, the Bonds of the related series issued and delivered to
the Trustee shall serve as security for any and all obligations of the Company
under all Notes of the applicable series from time to time Outstanding,
including, but not limited to (1) the full and prompt payment of the principal
and premium, if any, on such Notes when and as the same shall become due and
payable in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Indenture or such
Notes, either at the Stated Maturity thereof, upon acceleration of the maturity
thereof, upon redemption, or otherwise, and (2) the full and prompt payment of
any interest on such Notes when and as the same shall become due and payable in
accordance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture or the Notes
including, if and to the extent provided for in such Notes, interest on overdue
installments of principal and (to the extent permitted by law) interest on
overdue installments of interest.

    Each supplemental indenture to the Mortgage pursuant to which any Bonds are
issued shall contain a provision to the effect that any payment by the Company
hereunder of principal of or premium or interest on Notes which shall have been
authenticated and delivered in connection with the issuance and delivery to the
Trustee of such Bonds (other than by the application of the proceeds of a
payment in respect of such Bonds) shall to the extent thereof, be deemed to
satisfy and discharge the obligation of the Company, if any, to make a payment
of principal, premium or interest, as the case may be, in respect of such Bonds
which is then due.

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    Notwithstanding anything in the Original Indenture to the contrary, from and
after the Release Date, the obligation of the Company to make payment with
respect to the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds shall
be deemed satisfied and discharged as provided in the supplemental indenture or
indentures to the Mortgage creating such Bonds and the Bonds shall cease to
secure in any manner Notes theretofore or subsequently issued; the Trustee shall
thereupon surrender the Bonds to the Mortgage Trustee for cancellation and
execute and deliver such proper instruments of release as may be required. From
and after the Release Date, all Notes, whether theretofore or subsequently
issued, shall, at the Company's option, either (i) become unsecured or (ii) be
secured by Substitute Mortgage Bonds pursuant to Section 4.03 below, and any
conditions to the issuance of Notes that refer or relate to Bonds or the
Mortgage shall be inapplicable (except as such conditions shall be deemed to
refer to Substitute Mortgage Bonds or a Substitute Mortgage pursuant to Section
4.03 below). From and after the Release Date, the Company shall not issue any
additional Mortgage Bonds, including Pledged Bonds, under the Mortgage. Notice
of the occurrence of the Release Date shall be given by the Trustee to the
Holders of the Notes in the manner provided for in the Original Indenture not
later than 30 days after the Company notifies the Trustee of the occurrence of
the Release Date.

    In connection with the establishment of the occurrence of the Release Date,
the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, may presume the correctness of, and
shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers' Certificate designating
the Release Date and stating that the conditions to the occurrence of the
Release Date have been satisfied.

    When the obligation of the Company to make payments with respect to the
principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on all or any part of the Bonds
shall be satisfied or deemed satisfied pursuant to the Original Indenture or
pursuant to this Supplemental Indenture, the Trustee shall, upon written request
of the Company, deliver to the Company without charge therefor all of the Bonds
so satisfied or deemed satisfied, together with such appropriate instruments of
transfer or release as may be reasonably requested by the Company. All Bonds
delivered to the Company in accordance with this Section shall be delivered by
the Company to the Mortgage Trustee for cancellation.

    SECTION 4.03. Substitute Mortgage Bonds.

    (a) The Company shall notify the Trustee not less than 90 days prior to the
Release Date (or such shorter period as the Company and the Trustee may agree)
that the Company has determined to deliver to the Trustee on the Release Date
Substitute Mortgage Bonds in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
aggregate principal amount of Notes and any other Securities subject to the
release provisions Outstanding on the Release Date, in trust for the benefit of
the Holders from time to time of the Notes and any other Securities subject to
the release provisions issued under the Original Indenture, as supplemented, as
security for any and all obligations of the Company under the Notes and any
other Securities subject to the release provisions, including but not limited
to, (1) the full and prompt payment of the principal of and premium, if any, on
the Notes and any other Securities subject to the release provisions when and as
the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms and
provisions of the Original Indenture, as supplemented, or the Notes or such
other Securities subject to the release provisions, either at the stated
maturity thereof, upon acceleration of the maturity thereof or upon redemption,
and (2) the full and prompt payment of any interest on the Notes and any other
Securities subject to the release provisions when and as the same shall become
due and payable in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Original
Indenture, as supplemented, or the Notes or such other Securities subject to the
release provisions.

                                       10
<PAGE>

    (b) The Substitute Mortgage Bonds to be delivered pursuant to the notice
described in Section 4.03(a) shall be delivered in separate series and issues
corresponding to the series and issues of Notes and other Securities subject to
the release provisions Outstanding on the Release Date, each series or issue of
Substitute Mortgage Bonds having the same stated rate or rates of interest (or
interest calculated in the same manner), Interest Payment Dates, stated maturity
date and redemption provisions, and in the same aggregate principal amount, as
the related series or issue of Notes or other Securities subject to the release
provisions outstanding on the Release Date. The Company shall enter into a
Substitute Mortgage for the issuance of Substitute Mortgage Bonds, and designate
it as such in the notice.

    (c) The notice described in Section 4.03(a) shall also state that on the
Release Date the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture
to the Original Indenture that will provide, among other things, that upon the
issuance of Notes and other Securities subject to the release provisions on or
after the Release Date, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee in trust for
the benefit of the Holders as described in Section 4.03(a) hereof, and the
Trustee shall accept therefor, related series of Substitute Mortgage Bonds
registered in the name of the Trustee and conforming to the requirements therein
specified.

    (d) The determination whether to deliver Substitute Mortgage Bonds shall be
made in the Company's sole discretion and without any obligation to do so.

    (e) In the event that the Company does not deliver the notice described in
Section 4.03(a), the Notes and other Securities subject to the release
provisions Outstanding on the Release Date shall, as of the Release Date, no
longer be entitled to the benefit of the pledge of the Pledged Bonds and shall
thereafter be general unsecured obligations of the Company.

    (f) Article Four and related provisions of the Original Indenture shall
apply to Substitute Mortgage Bonds pledged to the Trustee hereunder and the
provisions thereof shall be deemed to refer to the Substitute Mortgage and the
Substitute Mortgage Bonds. If the Company elects to have the Notes secured by
Substitute Mortgage Bonds on and after the Release Date, Article Four and
related provisions may be amended to make appropriate reference to the
Substitute Mortgage and the Substitute Mortgage Bonds; provided, that the
consent of Holders shall not be required in connection with such amendment.

    SECTION 4.04. Events of Default.

    (a) On and after the Release Date, Section 601(8) of the Original Indenture
shall no longer apply to the Notes.

    (b) On and after the Release Date, if the Notes become secured by Substitute
Mortgage Bonds pursuant to Section 4.03 above, the occurrence of a "default" (as
defined in the Substitute Mortgage) shall constitute an Event of Default under
Section 601 of the Original Indenture with respect to the Notes and the
references in Section 601(4) of the Original Indenture and related provisions to
"Mortgage Bonds" shall be deemed to refer to "Substitute Mortgage Bonds."

                                       11
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE FIVE

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

    The Trustee makes no undertaking or representations in respect of, and shall
not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for and in respect of, the validity
or sufficiency of this Tenth Supplemental Indenture or the proper authorization
or the due execution hereof by the Company or for or in respect of the recitals
and statements contained herein, all of which recitals and statements are made
solely by the Company.

    Except as expressly amended hereby and by the supplemental indenture
appointing the Trustee as successor trustee, the Original Indenture shall
continue in full force and effect in accordance with the provisions thereof and
the Original Indenture is in all respects hereby ratified and confirmed. This
Tenth Supplemental Indenture and all its provisions shall be deemed a part of
the Original Indenture in the manner and to the extent herein and therein
provided.

    This Tenth Supplemental Indenture and the Notes shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

    This Tenth Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but
all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

                                       12
<PAGE>

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Tenth Supplemental
Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the day and year first
above written.

                                              THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY

                                              By:
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                 Name:  D. R. Murphy
                                                 Title: Assistant Treasurer

  ATTEST:

  By:
     -----------------------------
     Name:  Susan E. Riske
     Title: Assistant Corporate Secretary

                                       13
<PAGE>

                                        BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY,
                                        NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee

                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Name:  Janice Ott Rotunno
                                            Title: Vice President and Assistant
                                                   Secretary

ATTEST:

By:
   -------------------------------
   Name:
   Title:

                                       14
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

    THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER
REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF A
DEPOSITORY. UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN
CERTIFICATED FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE
DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY ("DTC"), TO A NOMINEE OF DTC OR BY DTC OR ANY SUCH
NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR OF DTC OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR. UNLESS THIS NOTE
IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT
FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS
REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO CEDE & CO.,
OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC)
ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS
WRONGFUL, INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST
HEREIN.

NO. R-1                                                         $
                                                                 --------------

                           THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY

                           5.20% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2012

Principal Amount: $225,000,000

Authorized Denomination: $1,000

Regular Record Date: close of business on the 15th calendar day (whether or not
a Business Day) prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date

Original Issue Date: October 23, 2002

Stated Maturity: October 15, 2012

Interest Payment Dates: April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing April
15, 2003

Interest Rate: 5.20 %per annum

    THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY, a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Michigan (the "Company", which term includes any
successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value
received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns, at the
office or agency of the Company in The City of New York, New York, the principal
sum of ____________________ ($_________________) on October 15, 2012, (the
"Stated Maturity"), in the coin or currency of the United States, and to pay
interest thereon from the Original Issue Date shown above, or from the most
recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided
for, semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date as specified above,
commencing on April 15, 2003, and on the Stated Maturity at the rate per annum
shown above (the "Interest Rate") until the principal hereof is paid or made

                                       15
<PAGE>

available for payment and on any overdue principal and premium and on any
overdue installment of interest. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or
duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the
Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Note (or one or more
Predecessor Securities) is registered on the Regular Record Date as specified
above next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Except as otherwise provided in
the Indenture, any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for
will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and
may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the
close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such defaulted
Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of
Notes of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or
be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the
requirements of any securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes of this
series shall be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by any such
exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.

    Payments of interest on this Note will include interest accrued to but
excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. Interest payments for this Note
shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months. The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal and premium, if any,
and, to the extent lawful, on overdue installments of interest at the rate per
annum borne by this Note. In the event that any Interest Payment Date,
Redemption Date or Maturity Date is not a Business Day, then the required
payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment
in respect of any such delay). "Business Day" means any day other than a day on
which banking institutions in the State of New York or the State of Michigan are
authorized or obligated pursuant to law or executive order to close.

    Payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes shall be
made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of
payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments of
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on Notes represented by a Global
Note shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Holder
of such Global Note , provided that, in the case of payments of principal and
premium, if any, such Global Note is first surrendered to the Paying Agent (as
defined in the Indenture). If any of the Notes of this series are no longer
represented by a Global Note, (i) payments of principal, premium, if any, and
interest due at the Stated Maturity or earlier redemption of such Securities
shall be made at the office of the Paying Agent upon surrender of such
Securities to the Paying Agent, and (ii) payments of interest shall be made, at
the option of the Company, subject to such surrender where applicable, by check
mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall
appear in the Security Register.

    UNTIL THE RELEASE DATE (AS DEFINED BELOW), THIS NOTE SHALL BE SECURED BY
GENERAL AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BONDS (THE "MORTGAGE BONDS") ISSUED AND DELIVERED
BY THE COMPANY TO THE TRUSTEE (AS DEFINED BELOW) UNDER THE COMPANY'S
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE DATED AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2002, SUPPLEMENTING THE MORTGAGE
AND DEED OF TRUST DATED AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1924 BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND BANK ONE,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (THE "MORTGAGE TRUSTEE"), PLEDGED BY THE COMPANY FOR THE
BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF THE NOTES TO THE TRUSTEE UNDER THE INDENTURE (THE
"MORTGAGE"). ON THE RELEASE DATE, THE NOTES SHALL CEASE TO BE SECURED BY SUCH
MORTGAGE BONDS AND, AT THE COMPANY'S OPTION, SHALL EITHER (1) BECOME UNSECURED
GENERAL

                                       16
<PAGE>

OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY OR (2) BE SECURED BY SUBSTITUTE MORTGAGE BONDS UNDER
A SUBSTITUTE MORTGAGE.

    This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until the
Certificate of Authentication hereon shall have been signed by or on behalf of
the Trustee.

    Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by the
Trustee or a duly appointed Authentication Agent referred to herein, this Note
shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.

    This Note is one of a duly authorized series of Securities of the Company
(herein sometimes referred to as the "Notes"), specified in the Indenture, all
issued or to be issued in one or more series under and pursuant to a Collateral
Trust Indenture dated as of June 30, 1993 (the "Original Indenture") duly
executed and delivered between the Company and Bank One Trust Company, National
Association, as Trustee (herein referred to as the "Trustee"), as supplemented
through and including a Tenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 23,
2002 (together with the Original Indenture, the "Indenture") between the Company
and the Trustee, to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
reference is hereby made for a description of the respective rights, limitations
of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee, the
Company and the registered Holders of the Notes and of the terms upon which the
Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.

    This Note is not subject to repayment at the option of the Holder hereof.
Except as provided below, this Note is not redeemable by the Company prior to
maturity and is not subject to any sinking fund.

    This Note will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole at any
time or in part from time to time, (any such date of optional redemption, an
"Optional Redemption Date," which shall be a "Redemption Date" for purposes of
the Indenture), at an optional redemption price (which shall be a "Redemption
Price" for purposes of the Indenture) equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the
principal amount of this Note to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present
values of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed and the remaining
scheduled payments of interest on the principal amount of this Note to be
redeemed (exclusive of interest accrued to the related Optional Redemption Date)
until Stated Maturity, in each case discounted from their respective scheduled
payment dates to such Optional Redemption Date on a semiannual basis (assuming a
360-day year consisting of 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate (as
defined below) plus 30 basis points, as determined by the Reference Treasury
Dealer, plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

    Notwithstanding the foregoing, installments of interest on this Note that
are due and payable on Interest Payment Dates falling on or prior to a
Redemption Date will be payable on the Interest Payment Date to the registered
Holders as of the close of business on the relevant Record Date.

    "Adjusted Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any Optional Redemption
Date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual yield to maturity of the
Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated on the third Business Day preceding such
Optional Redemption Date, using a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable
Treasury Price for such Optional Redemption Date.

                                       17
<PAGE>

    "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security
determined by the Reference Treasury Dealer selected by the Company as having a
maturity comparable to the remaining term of this Note that would be utilized,
at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in
pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity with the
remaining term of this Note.

    "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any Optional Redemption
Date, (i) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such
Optional Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference
Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (ii) if the Trustee obtains fewer than two such
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations, or
(iii) if only one Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation is received, such
quotation.

    "Reference Treasury Dealer" means each of: (i) Barclays Capital Inc. and
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (or their respective affiliates which are Primary
Treasury Dealers), and their respective successors; provided, however, that if
any of the foregoing cease to be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in
The City of New York (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall substitute
therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer; and (ii) any other Primary Treasury
Dealer(s) selected by the Trustee after consultation with the Company.

    "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation" means, with respect to each Reference
Treasury Dealer and any Optional Redemption Date, the average, as determined by
the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in
writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the third Business Day preceding such Optional Redemption Date.

    Notice of any optional redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not
more than 60 days before the Optional Redemption Date to the Holder hereof at
its registered address.

    Unless the Company defaults in payment of the applicable Redemption Price,
on and after the applicable Redemption Date interest will cease to accrue on the
principal amount of this Note called for redemption.

    If money sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price with respect to
the principal amount of and accrued interest on the principal amount of this
Note to be redeemed on the applicable Redemption Date is deposited with the
Trustee or Paying Agent on or before the related Redemption Date and certain
other conditions are satisfied, then on or after such date, interest will cease
to accrue on the principal amount of this Note called for redemption.

    If the Notes are only partially redeemed by the Company, the Trustee shall
select which Notes are to be redeemed in a manner it deems fair and appropriate
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

    In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note or Notes of
this series for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the
registered Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

    In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall have
occurred and be continuing, the principal of all of the Notes may be declared,
and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the manner, with the
effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.

                                       18
<PAGE>

    The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire
indebtedness of this Note upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions
set forth therein.

    The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee,
with the consent of the registered Holders of not less than a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities of each series affected
at the time, as defined in the Indenture, to execute supplemental indentures for
the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating
any of the provisions of the Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of
modifying in any manner the rights of the registered Holders of the Securities;
provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall (i) extend the
fixed maturity of any Securities of any series, or reduce the principal amount
thereof, or reduce the rate of or extend the time of payment of interest
thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, without the
consent of the registered Holder of each Security so affected or (ii) reduce the
aforesaid percentage of Securities, the registered Holders of which are required
to consent to any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the
registered Holders of each Security then outstanding and affected thereby. The
Indenture also contains provisions permitting (i) the registered Holders of at
least 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series at
the time outstanding affected thereby, on behalf of the registered Holders of
the Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain
provisions of the Indenture and (ii) the registered Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series at the time
outstanding affected thereby, on behalf of the registered Holders of the
Securities of such series, to waive certain past defaults under the Indenture
and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the registered Holder of
this Note (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be conclusive and
binding upon such registered Holder and upon all future registered Holders and
owners of this Note and of any Note issued in exchange hereof or in place hereof
(whether by registration of transfer or otherwise), irrespective of whether or
not any notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note.

    No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the
Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute
and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this Note at the time
and place and at the rate and in the coin or currency herein prescribed.

    Prior to the Release Date, the Notes of this series shall be secured by a
series of Mortgage Bonds (the "Related Series of Bonds"), delivered by the
Company to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes. Reference is
made to the Mortgage and the Indenture for a description of the rights of the
Trustee as Holder of the Related Series of Bonds, the property mortgaged and
pledged under the Mortgage and the rights of the Company and of the Mortgage
Trustee in respect thereof, the duties and immunities of the Mortgage Trustee
and the terms and conditions upon which the Related Series of Bonds are secured
and the circumstances under which additional Mortgage Bonds may be issued.

    FROM AND AFTER SUCH TIME AS ALL BONDS, OTHER THAN (1) PLEDGED BONDS,
INCLUDING THE RELATED SERIES OF BONDS, AND (2) MORTGAGE BONDS (EXCLUSIVE OF
PLEDGED BONDS), WHICH DO NOT IN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT EXCEED THE GREATER OF
FIVE PERCENT (5%) OF NET TANGIBLE ASSETS OR FIVE PERCENT (5%) OF CAPITALIZATION,
HAVE BEEN RETIRED THROUGH PAYMENT, REDEMPTION OR OTHERWISE (INCLUDING THOSE
MORTGAGE BONDS THE PAYMENT FOR WHICH HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE MORTGAGE) AT, BEFORE OR AFTER THE MATURITY THEREOF, PROVIDED THAT

                                       19
<PAGE>

NO DEFAULT OR EVENT OF DEFAULT HAS OCCURRED AND IS CONTINUING (THE "RELEASE
DATE"), THE RELATED SERIES OF BONDS SHALL CEASE TO SECURE THE NOTES IN ANY
MANNER.

    As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set
forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Security Register of the
Company, upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office
or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any interest on
this Note are payable or at such other offices or agencies as the Company may
designate, duly endorsed by or accompanied by a written instrument or
instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security
Registrar or any transfer agent duly executed by the registered Holder hereof or
his or her attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new
Notes of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the
same aggregate principal amount will be issued to the designated transferee or
transferees. No service charge will be made for any such transfer, but the
Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge payable in relation thereto.

    Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of this Note, the
Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and any Note Registrar may deem and treat
the registered Holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof (whether or not this
Note shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing
hereon made by anyone other than the Note Registrar) for the purpose of
receiving payment of or on account of the principal hereof and interest due
hereon and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor
any Paying Agent nor any Security Registrar shall be affected by any notice to
the contrary.

    The Notes of this series are issuable only in fully registered form without
coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. This
Global Note is exchangeable for Notes in definitive form only under certain
limited circumstances set forth in the Indenture. As provided in the Indenture
and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Notes of this series are
exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes of this series of a
different authorized denomination, as requested by the registered Holder
surrendering the same.

    As set forth in, and subject to the provisions of, the Indenture, no Holder
of any Note will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the
Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder shall have
previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default
with respect to the Notes of this series, (ii) the Holders of not less than 25%
in principal amount of the outstanding Notes of this series shall have made
written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute
such proceeding as trustee, (iii) the Trustee shall have failed to institute
such proceeding within 60 days and (iv) the Trustee shall not have received from
the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes of this
series a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period;
provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by
the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment of the principal of or any
interest on this Note on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

    All terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

                                       20
<PAGE>

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Instrument to be.

                                          THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY

                                          By:
                                              ---------------------------------
                                          Name:  N.A. Khouri
                                          Title: Vice President and Treasurer

    ATTEST:

    By:
       -------------------------------------
    Name:  Susan E. Riske
    Title: Assistant Corporate Secretary

[Corporate Seal]

                                       21
<PAGE>

                          CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

     This is one of the Notes of the series of Notes described in the within
                              mentioned Indenture.

                             BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY,
                              NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                   as Trustee

                          By
                             ------------------------
                              Authorized Signatory

                             Date: October __, 2002

                                       22
<PAGE>

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s)
unto

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Please insert Social Security or Other Identifying Number of Assignee)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Please print or type name and address, including zip code of assignee)

the within Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and
appointing such person attorneys to transfer the within Note on the books of the
Issuer, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:
       ------------------

    NOTICE: The signature of this assignment must correspond with the name as
written upon the face of the within Note in every particular, without alteration
or enlargement or any change whatever and NOTICE: Signature(s) must be
guaranteed by a financial institution that is a member of the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP"), the Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion
Signature Program ("MSP"). When assignment is made by a guardian, trustee,
executor or administrator, an officer of a corporation, or anyone in a
representative capacity, proof of his or her authority to act must accompany
this Note.

                                       23
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

    THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER
REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF A
DEPOSITORY. UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN
CERTIFICATED FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE
DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY ("DTC"), TO A NOMINEE OF DTC OR BY DTC OR ANY SUCH
NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR OF DTC OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR. UNLESS THIS NOTE
IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT
FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS
REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO CEDE & CO.,
OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC)
ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS
WRONGFUL, INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST
HEREIN.

NO. R-1                                                       $
                                                               -----------------
                           THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY

                           6.35% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2032

Principal Amount: $
                   ----------------------

Authorized Denomination: $1,000

Regular Record Date: close of business on the 15th calendar day (whether or not
a Business Day) prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date

Original Issue Date: October 23, 202

Stated Maturity: October 15, 2032

Interest Payment Dates: April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing April
15, 2003

Interest Rate: 6.35% per annum

    THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY, a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Michigan (the "Company", which term includes any
successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value
received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns, at the
office or agency of the Company in The City of New York, New York, the principal
sum of _____________ ($________) on October 15, 2032, (the "Stated Maturity"),
in the coin or currency of the United States, and to pay interest thereon from
the Original Issue Date shown above, or from the most recent Interest Payment
Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in
arrears on each Interest Payment Date as specified above, commencing on April
15, 2003, and on the Stated Maturity at the rate per annum shown above (the
"Interest Rate") until the principal hereof is paid or made available for
payment and on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue installment
of interest. The interest

                                       24
<PAGE>

so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment
Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name
this Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered on the Regular
Record Date as specified above next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Except
as otherwise provided in the Indenture, any such interest not so punctually paid
or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such
Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Note
is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment
of such defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be
given to Holders of Notes of this series not less than 10 days prior to such
Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not
inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange, if any, on which
the Notes of this series shall be listed, and upon such notice as may be
required by any such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.

    Payments of interest on this Note will include interest accrued to but
excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. Interest payments for this Note
shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months. The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal and premium, if any,
and, to the extent lawful, on overdue installments of interest at the rate per
annum borne by this Note. In the event that any Interest Payment Date,
Redemption Date or Maturity Date is not a Business Day, then the required
payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment
in respect of any such delay). "Business Day" means any day other than a day on
which banking institutions in the State of New York or the State of Michigan are
authorized or obligated pursuant to law or executive order to close.

    Payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes shall be
made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of
payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments of
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on Notes represented by a Global
Note shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Holder
of such Global Note , provided that, in the case of payments of principal and
premium, if any, such Global Note is first surrendered to the Paying Agent (as
defined in the Indenture). If any of the Notes of this series are no longer
represented by a Global Note, (i) payments of principal, premium, if any, and
interest due at the Stated Maturity or earlier redemption of such Securities
shall be made at the office of the Paying Agent upon surrender of such
Securities to the Paying Agent, and (ii) payments of interest shall be made, at
the option of the Company, subject to such surrender where applicable, by check
mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall
appear in the Security Register.

    UNTIL THE RELEASE DATE (AS DEFINED BELOW), THIS NOTE SHALL BE SECURED BY
GENERAL AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BONDS (THE "MORTGAGE BONDS") ISSUED AND DELIVERED
BY THE COMPANY TO THE TRUSTEE (AS DEFINED BELOW) UNDER THE COMPANY'S
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE DATED AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2002, SUPPLEMENTING THE MORTGAGE
AND DEED OF TRUST DATED AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1924 BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND BANK ONE,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (THE "MORTGAGE TRUSTEE"), PLEDGED BY THE COMPANY FOR THE
BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF THE NOTES TO THE TRUSTEE UNDER THE INDENTURE (THE
"MORTGAGE"). ON THE RELEASE DATE, THE NOTES SHALL CEASE TO BE SECURED BY SUCH
MORTGAGE BONDS AND, AT THE COMPANY'S OPTION, SHALL EITHER (1) BECOME UNSECURED
GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY OR (2) BE SECURED BY SUBSTITUTE MORTGAGE
BONDS UNDER A SUBSTITUTE MORTGAGE.

                                       25
<PAGE>

    This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until the
Certificate of Authentication hereon shall have been signed by or on behalf of
the Trustee.

    Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by the
Trustee or a duly appointed Authentication Agent referred to herein, this Note
shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.

    This Note is one of a duly authorized series of Securities of the Company
(herein sometimes referred to as the "Notes"), specified in the Indenture, all
issued or to be issued in one or more series under and pursuant to a Collateral
Trust Indenture dated as of June 30, 1993 (the "Original Indenture") duly
executed and delivered between the Company and Bank One Trust Company, National
Association, as Trustee (herein referred to as the "Trustee"), as supplemented
through and including a Tenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 23,
2002 (together with the Original Indenture, the "Indenture") between the Company
and the Trustee, to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
reference is hereby made for a description of the respective rights, limitations
of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee, the
Company and the registered Holders of the Notes and of the terms upon which the
Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.

    This Note is not subject to repayment at the option of the Holder hereof.
Except as provided below, this Note is not redeemable by the Company prior to
maturity and is not subject to any sinking fund.

    This Note will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole at any
time or in part from time to time, (any such date of optional redemption, an
"Optional Redemption Date," which shall be a "Redemption Date" for purposes of
the Indenture), at an optional redemption price (which shall be a "Redemption
Price" for purposes of the Indenture) equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the
principal amount of this Note to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present
values of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed and the remaining
scheduled payments of interest on the principal amount of this Note to be
redeemed (exclusive of interest accrued to the related Optional Redemption Date)
until Stated Maturity, in each case discounted from their respective scheduled
payment dates to such Optional Redemption Date on a semiannual basis (assuming a
360-day year consisting of 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate (as
defined below) plus 25 basis points, as determined by the Reference Treasury
Dealer, plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

    Notwithstanding the foregoing, installments of interest on this Note that
are due and payable on Interest Payment Dates falling on or prior to a
Redemption Date will be payable on the Interest Payment Date to the registered
Holders as of the close of business on the relevant Record Date.

    "Adjusted Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any Optional Redemption
Date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual yield to maturity of the
Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated on the third Business Day preceding such
Optional Redemption Date, using a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable
Treasury Price for such Optional Redemption Date.

    "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security
determined by the Reference Treasury Dealer selected by the Company as having a
maturity comparable to the

                                       26
<PAGE>

remaining term of this Note that would be utilized, at the time of selection and
in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of
corporate debt securities of comparable maturity with the remaining term of this
Note.

    "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any Optional Redemption
Date, (i) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such
Optional Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference
Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (ii) if the Trustee obtains fewer than two such
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations, or
(iii) if only one Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation is received, such
quotation.

    "Reference Treasury Dealer" means each of: (i) Barclays Capital Inc. and
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (or their respective affiliates which are Primary
Treasury Dealers), and their respective successors; provided, however, that if
any of the foregoing cease to be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in
The City of New York (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall substitute
therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer; and (ii) any other Primary Treasury
Dealer(s) selected by the Trustee after consultation with the Company.

    "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation" means, with respect to each Reference
Treasury Dealer and any Optional Redemption Date, the average, as determined by
the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in
writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the third Business Day preceding such Optional Redemption Date.

    Notice of any optional redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not
more than 60 days before the Optional Redemption Date to the Holder hereof at
its registered address.

    Unless the Company defaults in payment of the applicable Redemption Price,
on and after the applicable Redemption Date interest will cease to accrue on the
principal amount of this Note called for redemption.

    If money sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price with respect to
the principal amount of and accrued interest on the principal amount of this
Note to be redeemed on the applicable Redemption Date is deposited with the
Trustee or Paying Agent on or before the related Redemption Date and certain
other conditions are satisfied, then on or after such date, interest will cease
to accrue on the principal amount of this Note called for redemption.

    If the Notes are only partially redeemed by the Company, the Trustee shall
select which Notes are to be redeemed in a manner it deems fair and appropriate
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

    In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note or Notes of
this series for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the
registered Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

    In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall have
occurred and be continuing, the principal of all of the Notes may be declared,
and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the manner, with the
effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.

    The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire
indebtedness of this Note upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions
set forth therein.

                                       27
<PAGE>

    The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee,
with the consent of the registered Holders of not less than a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities of each series affected
at the time, as defined in the Indenture, to execute supplemental indentures for
the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating
any of the provisions of the Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of
modifying in any manner the rights of the registered Holders of the Securities;
provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall (i) extend the
fixed maturity of any Securities of any series, or reduce the principal amount
thereof, or reduce the rate of or extend the time of payment of interest
thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, without the
consent of the registered Holder of each Security so affected or (ii) reduce the
aforesaid percentage of Securities, the registered Holders of which are required
to consent to any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the
registered Holders of each Security then outstanding and affected thereby. The
Indenture also contains provisions permitting (i) the registered Holders of at
least 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series at
the time outstanding affected thereby, on behalf of the registered Holders of
the Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain
provisions of the Indenture and (ii) the registered Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series at the time
outstanding affected thereby, on behalf of the registered Holders of the
Securities of such series, to waive certain past defaults under the Indenture
and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the registered Holder of
this Note (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be conclusive and
binding upon such registered Holder and upon all future registered Holders and
owners of this Note and of any Note issued in exchange hereof or in place hereof
(whether by registration of transfer or otherwise), irrespective of whether or
not any notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note.

    No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the
Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute
and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this Note at the time
and place and at the rate and in the coin or currency herein prescribed.

    Prior to the Release Date, the Notes of this series shall be secured by a
series of Mortgage Bonds (the "Related Series of Bonds"), delivered by the
Company to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes. Reference is
made to the Mortgage and the Indenture for a description of the rights of the
Trustee as Holder of the Related Series of Bonds, the property mortgaged and
pledged under the Mortgage and the rights of the Company and of the Mortgage
Trustee in respect thereof, the duties and immunities of the Mortgage Trustee
and the terms and conditions upon which the Related Series of Bonds are secured
and the circumstances under which additional Mortgage Bonds may be issued.

    FROM AND AFTER SUCH TIME AS ALL BONDS, OTHER THAN (1) PLEDGED BONDS,
INCLUDING THE RELATED SERIES OF BONDS, AND (2) MORTGAGE BONDS (EXCLUSIVE OF
PLEDGED BONDS), WHICH DO NOT IN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT EXCEED THE GREATER OF
FIVE PERCENT (5%) OF NET TANGIBLE ASSETS OR FIVE PERCENT (5%) OF CAPITALIZATION,
HAVE BEEN RETIRED THROUGH PAYMENT, REDEMPTION OR OTHERWISE (INCLUDING THOSE
MORTGAGE BONDS THE PAYMENT FOR WHICH HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE MORTGAGE) AT, BEFORE OR AFTER THE MATURITY THEREOF, PROVIDED THAT NO DEFAULT
OR EVENT OF DEFAULT HAS OCCURRED AND IS CONTINUING (THE

                                       28
<PAGE>

"RELEASE DATE"), THE RELATED SERIES OF BONDS SHALL CEASE TO SECURE THE NOTES IN
ANY MANNER.

    As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set
forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Security Register of the
Company, upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office
or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any interest on
this Note are payable or at such other offices or agencies as the Company may
designate, duly endorsed by or accompanied by a written instrument or
instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security
Registrar or any transfer agent duly executed by the registered Holder hereof or
his or her attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new
Notes of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the
same aggregate principal amount will be issued to the designated transferee or
transferees. No service charge will be made for any such transfer, but the
Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge payable in relation thereto.

    Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of this Note, the
Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and any Note Registrar may deem and treat
the registered Holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof (whether or not this
Note shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing
hereon made by anyone other than the Note Registrar) for the purpose of
receiving payment of or on account of the principal hereof and interest due
hereon and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor
any Paying Agent nor any Security Registrar shall be affected by any notice to
the contrary.

    The Notes of this series are issuable only in fully registered form without
coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. This
Global Note is exchangeable for Notes in definitive form only under certain
limited circumstances set forth in the Indenture. As provided in the Indenture
and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Notes of this series are
exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes of this series of a
different authorized denomination, as requested by the registered Holder
surrendering the same.

    As set forth in, and subject to the provisions of, the Indenture, no Holder
of any Note will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the
Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder shall have
previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default
with respect to the Notes of this series, (ii) the Holders of not less than 25%
in principal amount of the outstanding Notes of this series shall have made
written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute
such proceeding as trustee, (iii) the Trustee shall have failed to institute
such proceeding within 60 days and (iv) the Trustee shall not have received from
the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes of this
series a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period;
provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by
the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment of the principal of or any
interest on this Note on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

    All terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

                                       29
<PAGE>

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Instrument to be executed.

                                                THE DETROIT EDISON COMPANY

                                                By
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                    N.A. Khouri
                                                    Vice President and Treasurer

Attest:

By
   ---------------------------------
   Susan E. Riske
   Assistant Corporate Secretary

[Corporate Seal]

                                       30
<PAGE>

                          CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

    This is one of the Notes of the series of Notes described in the within
mentioned Indenture.

                                       BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY,
                                       NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                          as Trustee

                                       By
                                          ----------------------------
                                              Authorized Signatory

                             Date: October __, 2002

                                       31
<PAGE>

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s)
unto

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Please insert Social Security or Other Identifying Number of Assignee)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Please print or type name and address, including zip code of assignee)

the within Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and
appointing such person attorneys to transfer the within Note on the books of the
Issuer, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:
       ------------------------

    NOTICE: The signature of this assignment must correspond with the name as
written upon the face of the within Note in every particular, without alteration
or enlargement or any change whatever and NOTICE: Signature(s) must be
guaranteed by a financial institution that is a member of the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP"), the Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion
Signature Program ("MSP"). When assignment is made by a guardian, trustee,
executor or administrator, an officer of a corporation, or anyone in a
representative capacity, proof of his or her authority to act must accompany
this Note.

                                       32<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.34
                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                  by and among

                             UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.

                                       and

                      COMBINED SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY

                                   dated as of

                                 August 14, 2002
<PAGE>
                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT

PURCHASE AGREEMENT dated as of August 15, 2002, by and among COMBINED SPECIALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY (FORMERLY VIRGINIA SURETY COMPANY, INC.), an Illinois
insurance corporation ("Seller") and UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("Purchaser).

                                    RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Seller beneficially owns shares of Voting Common Stock (the "Common
Stock"), par value $0.0001 per share of Purchaser;

WHEREAS, Purchaser desires to purchase and Seller desires to sell to Purchaser
1,009,463 shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") at a purchase price equal to
$15.85 per share.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and
obligations hereinafter set forth, for good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as
follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                         SALE AND PURCHASE OF SECURITIES

         1.1 The Purchase. At the Closing, subject to completion of all of the
Closing Actions, the Purchaser shall purchase (the "Purchase") from Seller, and
Seller shall sell to the Purchaser, that number of Shares being sold at the
Closing at a purchase price of $15.85 per Share (the "Purchase Price").

         1.2 The Closing. The Closings of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall take place at the offices of Purchaser, 13400 Outer Drive West,
Detroit, MI 48239, immediately upon execution of this Agreement or on such other
date within ten (10) days after the date hereof as the Seller and Purchaser may
mutually determine (the "Closing Date").

         1.3 Actions at the Closing. At the Closing, the following actions shall
occur (the "Closing Actions"):

                  (a) Seller shall transfer to the Purchaser stock certificates
representing the Shares and stock powers or other instruments reasonably
requested by the Purchaser, free and clear of Encumbrances (as hereinafter
defined) thereon.

                  (b) The Purchaser shall pay to Seller the Purchase Price
multiplied by 682,833 Shares by wire transfer pursuant to instructions provided
by Seller; and

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
                  (c) The Purchaser shall execute a promissory note, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller, evidencing Purchaser's obligation
to pay to Seller $5,177,085.50, without interest.

                  (d) Seller, Penske Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Penske Corporation"), Penske Automotive Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation
("Penske Holdings"), and Penske Capital Partners, L.L.C., a Delaware limited
liability company ("Penske Capital"), shall have executed a waiver agreement in
the form of Exhibit C hereto (the "Waiver Agreement").

         1.4 Pre-Closing Covenant. Seller and Purchaser hereby covenant to, and
Purchaser hereby covenants to use its best efforts to cause Penske Corporation,
Penske Holdings and Penske Capital to, enter into the Waiver Agreement prior to
the Closing.

                                   ARTICLE II

                       SELLER REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES

Seller represents and warrants to the Purchasers as follows as of the date
hereof and as of each Closing:

         2.1 Power and Authority. Seller is an insurance corporation duly
organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Illinois. Seller
has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and carry out the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         2.2 Authorization of the Documents. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement has been duly authorized by all requisite
corporate action on the part of Seller, and this Agreement constitutes a legal,
valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller, in
accordance with its terms.

         2.3 No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance by Seller of
this Agreement and the consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated
hereby; and the sale and delivery by Seller of the Shares will not (a) violate
any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation, or any ruling, writ,
injunction, order, judgment or decree of any court, administrative agency or
other governmental body applicable to Seller, the Shares or any of Seller's
other respective properties or assets, (b) except as set forth on Schedule 2.3,
conflict with or result in any breach of any of the terms, conditions or
provisions of, or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time, or both) a
default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration)
under any agreement of Seller, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance,
upon any of the properties or assets of Seller, including the Shares, or (c)
violate any provisions of the Seller's organizational documents.

         2.4 Consents. Except as would not prevent Seller from consummating the
transactions contemplated hereby, or would not subject Seller to any material
penalties for failing to take any of the following actions, no permit,
authorization, consent or approval of or by, or any

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
notification of or filing with any person (governmental or private) is required
in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this
Agreement or any documentation relating hereto, the consummation by Seller of
the transactions contemplated hereby, or the sale or delivery of the Shares.

         2.5 Ownership. As of the Closing, Seller will be the lawful owner of
the Shares, and Seller will have good title to the Shares, free and clear of any
and all mortgages, rights of first refusal or first offer, security interests
liens, mortgages, pledges, charges and similar restrictions (but other than
transfer restriction legend on the Share certificates and except as set forth in
Schedule 2.5) (collectively, "Encumbrances"), and upon completion of the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement, Seller will transfer to the
Purchaser good and valid title to the Shares free and clear of any Encumbrances.

         2.6 Additional Purchases. Seller is aware and acknowledges that the
Purchaser and its affiliates may from time to time engage in one or more
transactions involving the purchase of some or all of the Common Stock of the
Purchaser at a purchase price in excess of $15.85 per share. Seller will not by
virtue of the completion of any such transaction or transactions by Purchaser be
entitled to any additional consideration of any kind in exchange for the sale
and delivery by Seller of the Shares to Purchaser, other than as expressly set
forth in the Agreement.

         2.7 Due Diligence. Seller has such knowledge and experience in
financial and business matters that Seller is capable of evaluating the merits
and risks of completing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Seller
has acquired sufficient information about the Purchaser to reach an informed and
knowledgeable decision to enter into and complete the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement. In evaluating the merits and risk of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, Seller has relied on the advice of its
investment advisors and/or its legal counsel.

         2.8 Brokers. No agent, broker, investment banker or other person or
entity acting on behalf of Seller or under the authority of Seller is or will be
entitled to any fee or commission directly or indirectly from any party hereto
in connection with any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                                   ARTICLE III

                     PURCHASER REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES

The Purchaser represents and warrants to Seller as of the date hereof and as of
the Closing Date as to itself, as follows:

         3.1 Organization. The Purchaser is duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of the state of its organization and has all power and authority
to enter into and perform this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly
authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Purchaser. This Agreement
constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Purchaser enforceable against
the Purchaser in accordance with its terms.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
         3.2 No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance by the
Purchaser of this Agreement and the consummation by the Purchaser of the
transactions contemplated hereby will not (a) violate any provision of law,
statute, rule or regulation, or any ruling, writ, injunction, order, judgment or
decree of any court, administrative agency or other governmental body applicable
to the Purchaser, or any of its properties or assets, (b) conflict with or
result in any breach of any of the terms, conditions, or provisions of, or
constitute (with due notice, lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to
any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under any agreement of
the Purchaser or (c) violate the Certificate of Incorporation or the bylaws of
the Purchaser.

         3.3 Consents. Except as would not prevent the Purchaser from
consummating the transactions contemplated hereby, or would not subject
Purchaser to any material penalties for failing to take any of the following
actions, no permit, authorization, consent or approval of or by, or any
notification of or filing with any person (governmental or private) is required
in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser of
this Agreement or any documentation relating thereto, or the consummation by the
Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         3.4 Brokers. No agent, broker, investment banker or other person or
entity acting on behalf of the Purchaser or under the authority of the Purchaser
is or will be entitled to any fee or commission directly or indirectly from any
party hereto in connection with any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         3.5 Disclosure. There is no "material non-public information" (within
the meaning of such term as interpreted under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended) known to the Purchaser which the Purchaser has not disclosed
to the Seller in writing.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         4.1 Survival of Representations. The representations and warranties
made in this Agreement shall survive for a period ending eighteen months after
the Closing provided that the representation and warranty of Seller set forth in
Section 2.5 shall survive without limitation.

         4.2 Notices. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all
notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party
shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered
in person or by telecopy (with confirmation promptly sent by regular mail),
nationally recognized overnight courier or first class registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to such party at the
address set forth below or such other address as may hereafter be designated in
writing by such party to the other parties:

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
                           (i)      if to Seller, to:

                                    Combined Specialty Insurance Company
                                    c/o AON Advisors, Inc.
                                    200 East Randolph Drive
                                    Chicago, Illinois 60606
                                    Attn: Andrew Ward

                           (ii)     if to Purchaser, to:

                                    United Auto Group, Inc.
                                    13400 Outer Drive West
                                    Detroit, Michigan 48239-4001
                                    Attention:  General Counsel

All such notices, requests, consents and other communications shall be deemed to
have been given when received.

         4.3 Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may be amended, modified,
supplemented or waived only upon the written agreement of the party against whom
enforcement of such amendment, modification, supplement or waiver is sought.

         4.4 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

         4.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (with the Schedules and Exhibits
hereto) embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties
hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the
subject matter hereof.

         4.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Michigan without giving
effect (to the fullest extent permitted by law) to the conflicts of law
principles thereof which might result in the application of the laws of any
other jurisdiction.

         4.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together
shall constitute one instrument. All signatures need not appear on any one
counterpart.

         4.8 Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
         4.9 Further Assurances. Each party hereto shall do and perform or cause
to be done and performed all such further acts and things and shall execute and
deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments, and documents as
any other party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent
and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         4.10 Expenses. Each party to this Agreement shall bear its own cost and
expenses, including fees of consultant(s), accountant(s), counsel, and other
persons acting on behalf of or for such party.

         4.11 Specific Performance. The parties hereto acknowledge that there
would be no adequate remedy at law if any party fails to perform any of its
obligations hereunder, and accordingly agree that each party, in addition to any
other remedy to which it might be entitled at law or in equity, shall be
entitled to injunctive relief, including specific performance, to enforce such
obligations without the posting of any bond, and, if any, should be brought in
equity to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, none of the parties
hereto shall raise the defense that there is an adequate remedy at law.

         4.12 Transfer Taxes. All stock transfer taxes, if any, required to be
paid in connection with the transfer by the Seller of the Shares shall be paid
by respective Purchasers thereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement as of the date first above written.

                                      SELLER:

                                            COMBINED SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY

                                            By:
                                               ---------------------------------
                                                     Name:
                                                     Title:

                                      PURCHASER:

                                            UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.

                                            By:
                                               ---------------------------------
                                                   Name:
                                                   Title:

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
                                  SCHEDULE 2.3

Reference is hereby made to that certain Second Amended and Restated
Stockholders Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2002, by and between, among
others, Seller and Purchaser (the "Stockholders Agreement").

Section 4.1 of the Stockholders Agreement grants to Penske Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Penske Corporation"), certain rights to purchase shares
of Common Stock of Purchaser from Seller under certain conditions.

Pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Stockholders Agreement, Seller is required to
hold at least 1,377,551 shares of Common Stock of Purchaser and is subject to
certain restrictions related to the transferability of such shares.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
                                  SCHEDULE 2.5

Reference is hereby made to that certain Second Amended and Restated
Stockholders Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2002, by and between, among
others, Seller and Purchaser (the "Stockholders Agreement").

Section 4.1 of the Stockholders Agreement grants to Penske Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Penske Corporation"), certain rights to purchase shares
of Common Stock of Purchaser from Seller under certain conditions.

Pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Stockholders Agreement, Seller is required to
hold at least 1,377,551 shares of Common Stock of Purchaser and is subject to
certain restrictions related to the transferability of such shares.

                                      -9-

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