Reform Required In Electricity Connection

While ETS is certainly on every ones minds at the moment, there is a particular concern here in the ACT regarding ETS. Not necessarily relating to the proposed Emissions Trading System (ETS) but in Efficient Timely Service when it comes to electricity connection.

An adequate supply of electricity (at least for the immediate future) is fundamental to modern life. It heats and cools our homes, powers our appliances and provides for a range of other uses. It is a service most people take for granted - unless they happen to be involved in the ACT building industry.

For some time now, there has been some difficulty in delivering power to building sites in a timely and efficient manner. It is not unusual for builders to be without a permanent power supply for two to three months during a six-month construction period and there have been a number of reported cases where the power was not connected at the time of handover.

Many industry sources have commented that the problems experienced in the ACT are not experienced across the border in NSW where the process for connecting power is far more efficient. Electricians are permitted to run the conduit and cables and are authorised to make connections. This generally takes no more than one to two weeks and can be completed by any licensed and accredited electrician.

One could well ask why the situation in the ACT is not as that described in NSW. The builder’s electrician is only permitted to run the conduit and must rely on two agencies, Bepcon and ActewAGL, to connect the power. Bepcon is responsible for inspecting and certifying the meter board while ActewAGL returns to dig up the trench and run the cables to connect the power.

The NSW system is delivering superior results for industry and consumers. If ActewAGL is unable to deliver in the same time frames, connection of power should be opened up to the market allowing builders to use their own licensed electricians. This will achieve efficiencies, remove red tape and reduce building costs with no compromise to electrical safety as the power connection will still be carried out by appropriately licensed electricians.

The solution is a simple one for the ACT government – follow the lead of NSW and allow licensed electricians to fast-track the connection of power. Failure to act will create a disconnect with the builders and the community who will continue to be faced with massive cost and time delays through an inadequate supply of power to newly completed residences.