The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), Ireland’s independent energy, energy safety and water regulator, secured a prosecution against Simpson’s Property Care Limited for illegally displaying the Registered Gas Installer and Safe Electric logos whilst not being a Registered Gas Installer (RGI)/ Registered Electrical Contractor (REC).
The case was concluded on 21st October 2021 and presiding Judge Anthony Halpin heard evidence from the CRU Officer that a van displaying both logos together with Simpson’s Property Care Limited livery was observed on 26th February 2020. Checks revealed the company was not registered and should not be displaying the logos.
Judge Halpin convicted and fined the company for both offences imposing a fine of €3,000 (€1,500 for each count). He also awarded costs of €3,000 (€1,500 for each count) to the CRU.
It is illegal for an individual or company to carry out Gas Works or to portray themselves as registered, unless they are a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) with the Register of Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII).
It is also illegal for an individual or company to carry out Restricted Electrical Works or to portray themselves as registered, unless they are a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) with Safe Electric.
The penalties for non-compliance include a fine of up to €15,000 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.rgii.ie. There are over 3,000 Registered Gas Installers (RGIs) in Ireland. By using a 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 the RGII on an annual basis.
Members of the public who wish to report an unregistered individual who has undertaken electrical works or has portrayed themselves as a REC should visit www.safeelectric.ie. There are over 4,000 RECs in Ireland. By using a REC, consumers can have confidence that they are dealing with a competent contractor who has the required expertise in electrical safety to ensure the safe operation of their electrical installation. The REC is insured, and a sample of their work is inspected by Safe Electric on an annual basis. A REC must issue you with a completion certificate for electrical works carried out.
The CRU’s mission in this area is to protect life, to prevent injury, and to minimise economic loss and it investigates all reports of alleged breaches of legislation. The number of successful prosecutions secured by the CRU have risen annually since 2011, and this prosecution further emphasises the requirement by law for all gas installers to be registered with RGII and for anyone undertaking electrical works to be a Registered Electrical Contractor.
The CRU’s Commissioner for Energy Safety, Dr. Paul McGowan said: “This successful prosecution sends out a strong message to unregistered gas installers, electrical contractors and consumers. If a gas installer does not have the required registration – or cannot prove membership of the RGI scheme – consumers should not use them. Similarly, if an electrical contractor does not have the required registration with Safe Electric, consumers should not use them. If consumers suspect that an installer or electrical contractor is acting illegally, they should contact the RGII (RGII.ie) immediately for gas, or Safe Electric (safeelectric.ie) for electricity. The CRU will continue to vigorously pursue such cases against individuals and companies who do not observe the legal requirements for undertaking gas works or electrical works”.