Connection schemes the victim of red tape

Bureaucratic and auditing red tape has caused the demise of a network operator’s connection schemes, Master Electricians Australia has said.

According to MEA WA state manager Anthony Mancini, the discontinuation of Horizon Power’s Service Connect and Contractor Connect schemes was caused by additional auditing costs. Mancini says this bureaucracy will also burden electrical contractors and homeowners in WA.

“Horizon Power will likely receive audit recommendations from EnergySafety WA that will incur additional costs and logistical challenges to implement in Horizon Power’s regional and remote service area,” Mancini said.

“This has led to Horizon Power being forced to discontinue a connection scheme that has been in place since 2001 and has enabled new homeowners in remote areas the opportunity to have power immediately connected by electrical contractors.

“It is very disappointing as these recommendations are severely hindering Horizon Power from providing the best possible service to its customers.”

Customers will also have to pay more for connections, Mancini said, as they will be charged Horizon Power rates rather than paying the contractor who is already on-site wiring their new home.

“Horizon Power will now be required to undertake all of the meter changeovers and meter upgrades from single- to three-phase because by closing down its connection schemes, it also closes down its changeover schemes,” Mancini said.

“All authorisations that entitle electrical contractors to undertake connection activities will be withdrawn and Horizon Power will engage Horizon Power-trained and -authorised contractor employees to perform the functions of network operator in remote towns.”