The Property Council of Australia has asked the Office of Energy to review the start date of new wiring standards.
New standards for wiring (AS/NZS 3000:2000) are set to start on 1 June 2000 under regulations published on 24 March this year.
WA Property Council executive director Joe Lenzo said that there were concerns over the proposed start date.
“Where projects have already been commenced but not completed by 1 June 2000, the new standards will apply to the project. Some of these projects commenced last year,” Mr Lenzo said.
“To impose new standards on projects already commenced but not completed is to give the regulations retrospective application.
“We have asked for a review of the commencement of the Electricity (Licensing) Amendment Regulations 2000 to allow projects that are already underway to operate under the standards which applied at their dates of commencement.”
“Our members have expressed concern over the imposition of additional cost burdens and possible disputes over any liability.
“Some members have also suggested that the introduction of these standards departs from custom and practice which has allowed projects already underway to comply with the standards that applied when the project commenced,” he said.
