Electricity authorities on Monday called for action to deal with a R25-billion maintenance backlog that could further stifle economic growth.

South Africa's power crisis poses a threat to economic growth and the government's efforts to reduce unemployment and poverty, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said on Monday.

The regulatory framework that will enforce the energy conservation programme and penalise consumers who use electricity excessively is being finalised, it was reported on Friday.

Understandably, in a time of crisis someone has to carry the blame.

It is becoming increasingly clear that to guarantee yourself a stable electricity supply power.

Picture it: Johannesburg, 2010. It's the final of the World Cup, and Bafana Bafana are playing England. Soccer City is brightly lit.