The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), on 22 May 2019, secured a criminal conviction against Mr. Frank Power of Kildinan, Co. Cork, for illegally carrying out designated electrical works without being a registered electrical contractor (REC) with Safe Electric.
The District Court in Cork heard evidence that the electrical works were not in accordance with the National Wiring Rules and had the potential to cause serious injury to the homeowner and his family. In addition, it was noted Mr. Power was uncooperative with the investigation and refused to attend for interview in relation to the investigation on three separate occasions.
Judge Con O’Leary fined Mr Power €3,000 for the offences of illegally undertaking designated electrical works and describing himself in a manner likely to suggest he was registered. He also ordered him to pay costs of €1,000 plus VAT to the CRU.
It is illegal for an individual or company to carry out Restricted Electrical Works or to portray themselves as registered, unless they are a REC with Safe Electric. The penalties for non-compliance include a fine of up to €15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years. Members of the public who wish to report an unregistered individual who has undertaken electrical works or has portrayed themselves as a REC should raise a complaint trough the following link: https://safeelectric.ie/help/report/.
The CRU’s with SAFE ElECTRIC mission in this area is to protect life and to prevent injury. It investigates all reports of alleged breaches of legislation.
The CRU’s Commissioner for Energy Safety and Chairperson, Dr. Paul McGowan said: “This prosecution sends out a clear message to both unregistered electrical contractors and consumers. Always ask your electrician if they are a Safe Electric Registered Electrical Contractor before they commence electrical work in your home and request a certificate of completion for any work carried out.”
