Tom Koutsantonis MP issues warning to electrical installers in South Australia

·

Tom Koutsantonis, Minister for Energy and Mining, has issued a warning to electrical installers in South Australia that could face fines or worse for peddling misinformation, after claims customers have been told they must have all their household gas appliances removed if they change from a gas to electrical water heater.

Customers have made claims to radio presenter, Matthew Pantelis, on FIVEaa this week that installers have told them if they change to an electric hot water service they must also disconnect all other gas connections to the property, allegedly citing State Government law.

Mr Koutsantonis has reassured there is no such law in South Australia.

“I am appalled to hear reports that South Australians seeking to switch over to electric hot water are being told they must also remove all their other gas appliances – at exorbitant cost – under the false guise of state government red tape.” Mr Koutsantonis said.

The only requirement when changing a heated water service from gas to electric when gas is reticulated to the property, is that the replacement electric heated water unit would need to be a ‘Low emission’ unit.

The Government is concerned to hear multiple reports of various operators telling customers it was a government requirement to remove all gas appliances from their property and change to electric alternatives – at considerable cost.

The Minister urges anyone who is given this information to contact the Office of the Technical Regulator on 1300 760 311 or otr.plumbregulator@sa.gov.au and report it – to will ensure that any operators spreading such misinformation are dealt with.
 
A $315 fine (plus the victim of crime levy) applies for performing non-compliant work.

However, there are a range of civil and criminal penalties that apply for breaches of the Australian Consumer Law ranging between $2,500,000 and $50,000,000.

Moreover, the Office of Consumer Business Affairs maintains a public list that ‘names and shames’ dodgy contractors. Contractors that make false claims of this type are at risk of being added to that list or even licence revocation.

“So my message to these operators is clear – if you are trying to take advantage of South Australians who are just trying to switch over to electric hot water, you will pay the price.” the Minister added.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From passion to production: Steven Koutzoumis launches SoundCult studio in Sydney

In the heart of Beverly Hills, a fresh sound is taking shape - and it’s being led by young Greek Australian Steven Koutzoumis who has a vision

Greek immersion in the early years pays off for Year 8 student Mariah Palaktsoglou

Year 8 student Mariah Palaktsoglou won the Hellenic Dreaming High School Short Story Competition held by the Greek Museum of Adelaide Inc.

Faith, family and football: The making of Nectarios Triantis

Growing up in a bustling Greek Australian household in Sydney, footballer Nectarios Triantis was never far from a football - or chaos.

Bella Spasis’ big deal: Live music in Victoria set to thrive

Greek-Victorian bar owner, Isabella (Bella) Spasis, hosted a remarkable event at her venue, ‘The Dog’s Bar’ early on Sunday morning, July 6.

GOCNSW Home for the Aged welcomes Consul General and celebrates its donors

The Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged played host to the Consul General of Greece in Sydney and some of its major donors.

You May Also Like

South Melbourne and Heidelberg United qualify for Australia Cup Round of 32

Two Australian historic football clubs, South Melbourne Hellas and Heidelberg United, have advanced to the Round of 32 of the Australia Cup.

The Orlov Revolt: What you need to know about ‘Greece’s first revolt’ against the Ottoman Empire

The Orlov Revolt is one of the littlest-known and earliest acts of resistance against Ottoman rule.

St Basil’s inquiry: Aspen Medical replacement staff ‘literally graduates’

Aspen Medical provided St Basil’s Home for the Aged in Fawkner with workers who were “literally graduates”, with the majority having no experience in aged care.