Western Power has been fined $40,000 for failing to have adequate electrical testing processes after a Manning resident received an electric shock.
At Perth Magistrates Court on 13 September 2024, the network operator pleaded guilty to failing to develop, implement and maintain adequate work practices as required by the Electricity (Network Safety) Regulations 2015.
The court was told the incident occurred when an electrical subcontractor was working on behalf of Western Power in April 2022 to install new tariff meters and convert overhead to underground electricity supplies.
At the affected property, an electrical worker completed a service connection test checklist form provided by Western Power. These tests are designed to check the wiring between the tariff meter, the metallic switchboard and the network to ensure occupants and property are protected when the electricity supply is restored.
The court heard that in the evening a resident at the home received an electric shock while touching a bathroom tap, but fortunately no injuries occurred.
An investigation later revealed the tests specified on Western Power’s form failed to detect a hazardous load neutral voltage, meaning the current was flowing through earthed metallic parts of the property rather than through the neutral conductors. This caused metal components at the home to become live.
Prosecutors for Building and Energy told the court Western Power’s service connection test form did not include an electrical neutral integrity test, which is considered a definitive method for identifying the neutral fault that occurred at the home.
The Regulations require network operators to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that each prescribed activity on its network is carried out safely. The court heard it would have been reasonably practicable for Western Power to develop the required neutral integrity test, provide related training and include the test on its forms.
WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said the hazardous voltages could have caused serious or fatal injuries, as well as property damage or fire.
“It is incredibly lucky that the occupant of the home was unharmed,” he said.
“Western Power has previous convictions for instances in which deficiencies in the form led to inadequate testing and risk to consumers, including an electric shock in Kingsley and damaged appliances in Lancelin.
“Western Power has recently advised me that it has now taken adequate corrective actions and included the electrical neutral integrity test as a key requirement for service connections.”
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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au
