Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 23 October 2003

Rick Hart Discounts fined for breach of Electricity Act

An electrical discount store has been fined $3000 for failing to display energy efficiency labels on some of its appliances.

The penalty has prompted Energy Safety to remind wholesalers, retailers and consumers of the importance of energy efficiency labels.

Hi Fi Corporation (WA) Pty Ltd, trading as Rick Hart Discounts in Karrinyup, was convicted last week of breaches of the Electricity Act 1945 and was fined $3000 with $457.70 costs for failing to display Energy Efficiency labels on some electrical appliances on sale in the store.

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

"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 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 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 on the energy efficiency system can be obtained by telephoning Kevin Rosher at Energy Safety on 9422 5212.