Some of the new measures include power rationing and smart meters that can automatically cut off power to residential appliances.

The measures were announced by the government Friday as it acknowledged South Africa was facing a national electricity emergency, the International Online reported.

Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica said the smart meters would allow municipalities to cut power at peak times for appliances such as water heaters, laundry equipment and swimming-pool pumps. He also suggested other power-saving measures such as replacing incandescent light bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescent units.

"This emergency must entrench energy efficiency," Sonjica said.

Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin said the "unprecedented, unplanned power outages" had to be treated as a national electricity emergency that had to be addressed with urgency.