South Australia’s consumer watchdog has reminded electrical contractors to ensure they are licensed, after a company director was fined $5000 and ordered to pay $800 in prosecution costs for aiding and abetting a company to conduct business as an electrical contractor without a licence.

In the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court, 43-year old Marc Siv of Ridleyton admitted to breaches of the Plumbers, Gas Fitters & Electricians Act.

The court heard Siv, and his company Sivcorp Solar Australia Pty Ltd, had been repeatedly warned about their licensing obligations but had failed to secure the appropriate licence, despite entering into contracts with consumers for the supply and installation of grid connect solar systems.

In addition, Siv was advertising for hybrid grid connect systems under a new company Sivcorp Energy & Water Pty Ltd, which also did not hold a licence.

Commissioner for Consumer and Business Services Dini Soulio said that while the company engaged a licensed electrician to install the solar systems, Sivcorp Solar Australia still needed an electrical contractor’s licence as it was contracting directly with the public for electrical work.

“Solar systems are a significant investment and consumers are entitled to expect that companies they contract with are licensed and qualified to do the job” Mr Soulio said.

Magistrate Kym Millard viewed the offences as serious, as Siv had continuously avoided his company’s licensing obligations, putting consumers at significant risk and undermining the licensing regime which exists to protect consumers.

Mr Soulio said he hoped the conviction would serve as a warning to others who try to avoid their licensing obligations.

“Siv gave an undertaking to the court to remove the advertising on Sivcorp’s Energy & Water website, which he has done.”

Consumers wishing to check the status of a contractor’s licence can visit the Public Register here or call CBS on 131-882.