In December 2024, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) Ireland’s independent energy, energy safety and water regulator recently secured a prosecution against an individual for carrying out illegal gas works and for portraying themself in a manner likely to suggest they were a registered gas installer (RGI) at Bray District Court which resulted in two convictions.
The criminal convictions at Bray District Court included penalties for illegally carrying out gas works on a private family home while not being a registered gas installer and for false portrayal in a manner likely to suggest the individual was an RGI while not being registered with the RGI scheme. The defendant pleaded guilty to both these related offences pursuant to the Electricity Regulation Act 1999.
Judge O’Leary commented on the dangerous nature of several serious non-conformances that were found and, in the circumstances, imposed a criminal conviction and a fine of €500 for each offence. Judge O’Leary also awarded costs to the value of €750 and issued an order for the individual to pay €4,000 to the complainant within 1 year, to recuperate costs associated with the repair of the gas installation. The Court heard evidence from a CRU Gas Safety Officer that a large number of non-conformances were identified with the installation. The gas works undertaken included the removal of an old gas boiler and the installation of a new gas boiler.
The successful prosecution emphasises the requirement by law for all gas installers to be registered with RGI when carrying out domestic gas works.
There are over 3,000 RGIs in Ireland. By using an RGI, consumers can have confidence that they are dealing with a competent installer who has the required expertise in gas safety to ensure the safe operation of their gas installation. The RGI is insured and a sample of their work is inspected by RGI scheme Inspectors on an annual basis.
The penalties for non-compliance include a fine of up to €50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years.
Members of the public who wish to report an unregistered individual who has undertaken gas works or has portrayed themselves as a Registered Gas Installer should visit www.rgi.ie.