Army of electrical contractors reconnecting flood-affected Queensland

Master Electricians Australia has deployed an army of 1125 licensed electrical contractors throughout South-East Queensland to help restore electricity supply to remaining homes.

The organisation is working closely with Energex to identify homes that remain without power and have supply turned back on as soon as it can be done safely. A further 500 Queensland contractors are on standby to perform work as it is identified by Energex.

Master Electricians CEO Malcolm Richards said requests received through the Master Electricians hotline or via Energex were being assigned to contractors as quickly as possible: “In many cases, homes can be reconnected after an inspection and testing by a licensed electrical contractor.

“If no further work is required at the property, we are recommending a discounted call-out fee of just $200 for this service.

“Homeowners are, of course, free to engage their own electrical contractor and negotiate a price for the work with that person. However, we caution homeowners to ensure that any contractor they engage has a Queensland electrical contracting licence. This is mandatory in order for Energex to turn the power back on.”

Richards thanked both members and non-members who had contacted Master Electricians to offer their services. Licensed contractors able to assist with electrical work could register through the hotline - 1300 889 198 - regardless of whether or not they were accredited Master Electricians.

Richards also urged homeowners who needed a major rewiring of their properties to take the opportunity to install a safety switch on every circuit: “A safety switch is a relatively inexpensive device that saves lives across Australia every day, but unfortunately very few homes are fully protected.

“We know from recent research that around 15 Australians are killed each year in electrical accidents in Australian homes, where a safety switch could have saved a life if fitted. We also know that around 300 people are hospitalised with severe injuries.

“In order to achieve maximum protection, you need a safety switch on every circuit of every home. This means hot water, lighting, air conditioning and oven and stove - not just power points.

“While the flooding has been a terrible tragedy, the rebuilding is an opportunity to install safety switches and avert an even greater tragedy in the future.”