Issue Date:  -  Friday, 9 May 2003

Harvey Norman fined for breach of Electricity Act

A $9000 penalty imposed on an electrical store has prompted Energy Safety to remind wholesalers, retailers and consumers of the importance of Energy Efficiency labels.

Gerel Pty Ltd trading as Harvey Norman Electrical in Geraldton was convicted this week of breaches of the Electricity Act 1945 and was fined $8000 with $1000 costs for failing to display energy efficiency labels on some electrical appliances on sale in the store.

Director of Energy Safety Albert Koenig said today that electrical appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes dryers, washing machines and domestic air conditioners must display the star rating labels.

"These appliances must all display an energy efficiency star rating label when offered for sale or hire," Mr Koenig said. "Failure to comply with this requirement is a breach of the Electricity Act and carries a maximum fine of $20,000.

"The energy efficiency label lets the buyer know how much electricity could be expected to be used during a year, and displays a number of stars to indicate the energy efficiency of the appliance.

"This allows a potential buyer to compare the running costs of different brands and make an informed decision taking into account not just cost but energy efficiency."

Mr Koenig said that the energy efficiency of an appliance was a very important consideration because energy efficient appliances helped to reduce the production of greenhouse gases and also resulted in cost savings to the consumer.

He urged all potential buyers to check that appliances carried the stickers, and retailers to ensure energy efficiency labels were attached before offering appliances for sale.

Further information can be obtained by telephoning Kevin Rosher at Energy Safety on 9422 5212.