Michigan governor signs energy package

Reuters

Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm on Monday signed into law legislation that calls for 10 percent of electricity in the state to be generated from renewable sources by 2015.

Just over half the 50 U.S. states have set requirements for renewable power generation.

Also signed into law is a Michigan provision requiring energy efficiency to cut power demand by 5.5 percent by 2015.

A third provision signed by Granholm limits switching by industrial customers from Michigan utilities. This amendment to existing law is seen as helping Consumers Energy build a new coal power plant and for Detroit Edison to build a new nuclear plant by assuring them of an adequate customer base to support the major capital projects.