Consumer Alert

The Hon Hekia Parata has announced that the Government is seeking public input into the review of the gas and electricity sectors certification regime.

The safety of gasfitting and electrical work is important to every New Zealander.  Electricity and gas can be hazardous for people, their property and the environment if not used properly. It is the Government’s job to ensure the safe supply and use of electricity and gas through legislation and the promotion of energy safety. The gas and electrical certification regime is an integral part of energy safety.    

Under the current certification system, gas and electrical workers issue a formal Certificate of Compliance.  This means the person doing gas or electrical work is accountable for that work.   The government’s Gas and Electrical Certification and Fees Review (the ‘Review’) will determine if the current certification system is working well, and if the associated fees reflect good value for consumers.  

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is encouraging people to have their say as the gas and electrical certification regime is a key part of energy safety.   

You are invited to provide written comments on the Review as outlined in the Discussion Document.  It is available for download from Energy Safety.  

You can provide comments either by completing an online survey-style questionnaire, or completing a submission form and sending it in.  (Note – the completed survey-style submission can be amended but not printed or saved for reference).

Full submission instructions are included in the Discussion Document. Submissions must be received by 5pm Friday 4 March 2011. To support the Review, Energy Safety and the Department of Building and Housing are planning:

• workshops on the Review in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, if there is sufficient interest .

• online surveys for gasfitters, electrical workers and consumers (available on the Energy safety website in mid February 2011).