In May 2026 Building and Energy, the WA energy safety regulator, announced the outcome of a prosecution over an installation error that made parts of a home live. This is our plain-language summary of that official release. [1]
What happened
- In November 2023 a homeowner at Bluff Point, Geraldton, hired an electrical company for upgrades.
- The electrician replaced the cabling between the network meter and the main switch in the switchboard.
- Over the next three days, the homeowner and a family member each received an electric shock. One happened while tiling a bathroom and one while laying turf outside.
- A Western Power inspection found the active and neutral load conductors had been swapped at the meter. That made earthed parts of the house, such as water pipes and taps, live.
The outcome
The electrician pleaded guilty in the Geraldton Magistrates Court to breaching the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 and was fined $5,000. The court granted a spent conviction, so the electrician was not named. The release says the magistrate stressed the offence was serious because a single shock can be fatal. [1]
What the regulator said
Director of Energy Safety Daniel Kearney said it was fortunate no one was seriously injured or killed, and that electrical work must be done correctly every time, including the mandatory checks and tests. He told electricians and their employers to have robust procedures that confirm installation work is safe and compliant. [1]
If you feel a shock or tingle
The release advises anyone who gets a shock or tingle from a tap or other metal object to report it straight away to the network operator, such as Western Power or Horizon Power. [1] Western Power’s fault line is 13 13 51. [2]
Talk to us
Elysium Electrical Contractors is a licensed Perth electrical contractor, Licence EC 16523. We carry out electrical work and testing across Perth. Call 08 9930 2061 or send us an enquiry.
Sources (read on 24 October 2026)
- Building and Energy, Electrician fined after wiring error causes electric shocks (6 May 2026): wa.gov.au
- Building and Energy, Renting or hiring a house or apartment (lists Western Power 13 13 51): wa.gov.au
Summary written by Elysium in our own words from the official release. Elysium is not connected to the parties in this case. General information only.
