Military bases also will look for new sources of power, he said, like using a now idled wind-driven generation facility at Edwards Air Force Base. Overall, the moves should add 200 megawatts of electricity to California's grid, Wolfowitz said. A megawatt can power between 750 and 1,000 homes. The Navy has already reduced electricity usage in San Diego by 11 percent since June, according to Navy officials. Also, Pentagon officials said that on-base housing will no longer be exempt from rolling blackouts.
Federal rules exempt military bases from intentional cut-offs.
Bush ordered all federal agencies, including the White House, to report on conservation measures within 30 days. However, Democratic Gov. Gray Davis and other California officials say Bush's conservation initiative is still far too little. William Keese, chairman of the California Energy Commission, said the federal effort could shave a significant amount of power demand during shortages. But to make a real difference, the conservation measures need to be in force around the clock, he said. Abraham was prepared for the criticism.