$12,000 fine for multiple cases of unlicensed electrical work

Building and Energy released the following statement:

A Malaga company has been fined $12,000 for unlicensed electrical work at 19 Perth households. 

The business was using different branding at the time, Perth Magistrates Court heard.

Following prosecution by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Building and Energy division, the company pleaded guilty to carrying on business as an electrical contractor without the relevant licence, as required by the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991.

The court was told the 19 instances of unlicensed electrical work and invoicing between July and September 2024 were representative of 94 other instances where the company engaged in the same or similar misconduct.   

According to evidence presented in court, the company's invoices for the 19 properties referred to upgrading or replacing electrical switchboards. This is electrical installation work that requires an electrical contractor’s licence, which the company did not hold at the time.

Through the company's franchise arrangement with 'X' Group Pty Ltd, the invoices featured branding and contact information for 'X' Group Pty Ltd, but customers were instructed to make payments to the company. No electrical contractor’s licence number was provided.

In addition to the $12,000 fine, Magistrate Elaine Campione ordered the company to pay costs of $879.24 on 27 February 2026, describing its conduct as a “significant breach” of an “important licensing scheme” for safety and financial protections. Her Honour noted no aggravating factors and the 19 instances had occurred during a six-week period.

WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Daniel Kearney, said the company’s actions were illegal and dangerous for affected consumers. 

“Our robust electrical safety and licensing laws ensure electrical work is safe, compliant and subject to independent inspection through a chain of responsibility,” Mr Kearney said. 

“Unlicensed electrical work may also result in liability or insurance issues.

“This conduct is unacceptable and shows a blatant disregard for public safety and the statutory obligations of electrical contractors.

“I urge all consumers to check their electrical service provider is appropriately licensed through the Building and Energy website or the ServiceWA app or by asking to see their credentials including an EC number.”

More information is available on the Building and Energy website.