Granholm signs Mich. energy package into law

EATON RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Michigan has new laws that will require more electricity to come from renewable sources, raise residential rates, restrict competition among power companies and encourage energy efficiency.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm held two energy bill-signing ceremonies on Monday, one in Detroit and one in Eaton Rapids southwest of Lansing.

She says the new energy measures will create new renewable energy jobs.

Workers at Dowding Industries in Eaton Rapids looked on from a factory balcony as she signed the bills. Dowding is poised to build components for wind turbines once orders come in.

Residential energy rates are expected to rise, but advocates say the increases would have been worse if the measures hadn't made it into law.