Public Consultation Over Energy Safety Reforms - Media Statement
[ Last Updated 10 March 2006 ]
People who have electrical or gas work done in their home in future may receive a common Safety Compliance Mark to certify the work is safe and legal.
The move is one of a number of proposed changes to New Zealand's electrical and gas industries, known as the EnergySafe programme.
EnergySafe arose from a Government review of electrical and gas safety last year. It's designed to improve accountability for safety in the electrical and gas industries, and public and product safety.
A working party made up of consumer and industry group representatives, as well as licensing and regulatory agencies, has developed the EnergySafe proposals.
Currently, only some electrical and gasfitting work requires a Certificate of Compliance. Minor work like repairs and maintenance is excluded.
Under EnergySafe, any electrical or gas work done by a licensed worker would need a Certificate of Compliance, which would carry a Safety Compliance Mark.
"EnergySafe recognises that changes have occurred in energy products and services, and aims to provide a more effective, simple means of ensuring our electricity and gas industries are safe," said Ministry of Consumer Affairs' Standards and Safety Manager, Tony Leverton.
"The new Safety Compliance Mark will be an easy way for consumers to identify that any electrical or gas work done in their home is both safe and legal."
Members of the public as well as industry have the chance to comment on the proposals before the end of June. The results of this consultation will then be forwarded to Government as final recommendations.
A copy of the EnergySafe consultation paper [link to MED website] is available at public libraries or on the Internet.
Back to Top