Resistance to electrical information request

Building and Energy have released the following statement:

An Inglewood business has been fined $6,000 for disregarding an official request to provide information as part of an electrical compliance investigation.

Following prosecution by Building and Energy, the business was found guilty at Perth Magistrates Court of breaching the Energy Coordination Act 1994.

Under this law, designated inspectors have the power to request any information, records or documents to determine compliance with electrical legislation. It is an offence to not comply with these requests without a reasonable excuse.

According to information presented in court, a Building and Energy electrical inspector sought documents and information from the company in November 2024 as part of an investigation into possible unlicensed electrical work.

The inspector spoke with the business' sole director by phone and later delivered a written request to the principal place of business. The company failed to provide the documents or information.

No representative attended court on 11 April 2025. In addition to the fine, the company was ordered to pay $349.50 in costs.

WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said it was unacceptable to disregard any aspect of electrical regulation.

“These laws protect the community,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.

“Failure to comply with an inspector’s request for relevant information can impede investigations of electrical safety breaches and put people at risk.”