Frequent offender fined over fake electrical licensing claims

Building and Energy released the following statement urging consumers to check their electrical service provider is appropriately licensed:

A Perth man has been convicted of electrical licensing offences for the second time this year, prompting a warning about the hazards of unauthorised electrical work.

Following prosecution by Building and Energy, the individual pleaded guilty at Joondalup Magistrates Court, to carrying on an electrical contracting business and undertaking electrical work without holding the required electrical licences.

The Court was told the individual responded to a Duncraig owner-builder’s request for electrical work via a service website in 2023. He provided written quotes under his trading name and later installed electrical cables through the house for future connection to the switchboard, lights and power points.

By law, only a licensed electrical contractor can be contracted for electrical work or imply they are authorised to do so. Electrical work must only be carried out by a licensed electrical worker, employed by an electrical contractor.

The individual has never held any electrical licences.

On 1 August 2025, he was fined $5,500 for two breaches of the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 and ordered to pay $577.50 in costs.

The case follows similar convictions in April 2025 when he was fined $3,500 in relation to unlicensed switchboard work, also in 2023, at an East Victoria Park home.

“Electrical work by an unlicensed person is illegal and dangerous,” Building and Energy Executive Director Daniel Kearney said.

“The work is not certified or subject to inspection. There are also insurance implications.

“I urge all consumers to check their electrical service provider is appropriately licensed, prior to using them, through the Building and Energy website or the ServiceWA app.”