People can live without watching a game of soccer at nigh

Eucildes Scalco, Energy Crisis Council

Introduced by a specially-created government task force - already nicknamed the "Blackout Ministry - the measures look set to also hit other parts of Brazilian life.

Neon lights will be switched off and lighting on streets, beaches, squares and other public venues will be reduced.

Fears are also growing that the bright lights of the world-renowned Rio Carnival might be dimmed by the indefinite ban.

Blackout

"People can live without watching a game of soccer at night... we are just cutting the accessories," said Eucildes Scalco, a member of the newly-formed Electrical Energy Crisis Administrative Council.

Football is a way of life to many Brazilians

The blackout will hit most of Brazil's 170 million urban population living cities such as Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife and the capital, Brasilia.

More restrictions are expected to be announced on Friday, and could include price rises and power cuts.

In Rio, some business leaders - fearing a wave of crime - have called for the army to be brought in to patrol the streets if power cuts are introduced.

Power crisis

The government says the power crisis has been caused by the worst drought in 70 years, which has left hydroelectric plant reservoirs nearly empty.

Critics, however, say years of poor management and under-investment in the industry - from which Brazil generates 90% of its power - have exacerbated the problem.

One energy expert said the targeting of activities close to people's hearts to make them save power could signal that the government will try to avoid across the board power cuts and rely on power-saving initially.