CRU secures prosecution for carrying out of illegal electrical works

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), Ireland’s independent energy, energy safety and water regulator, secured a prosecution against Terry Mates of 2 The Oaks, Loughlinstown Drive, Loughlinstown, Dublin for carrying out illegal electrical works.

Mr. Mates pleaded guilty to the offence at Bray District Court on 3rd December 2025. Evidence in the form of photographs and safety notices obtained by CRU Electrical Investigation Officer, Jonathan Clare, were shown to the Court indicating serious safety issues. The Court was told on behalf of the CRU that electric shock risks and potential fire hazards were left behind by Mr. Mates at a family home in County Wicklow. A large number of breaches of the National Rules for Electrical Installations were identified.

Judge Leech commented that this was a very serious case and is a matter of public safety, and that the potential for catastrophe was very real, and, in the circumstances, imposed a criminal conviction and fines of €1,000 plus €750 towards legal costs.

It is illegal for a person or company to carry out Restricted Electrical Works or to falsely portray themselves as registered, unless they are a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) with the Safe Electric Scheme.

There are approximately 4,000 Registered Electrical Contractors (RECs) in Ireland. By using a REC, consumers can have confidence that they are dealing with a competent contractor who has the required expertise in electrical safety to ensure the safe operation of their electrical installation. The REC is insured, and a sample of their work is inspected by Safe Electric on an annual basis. A REC must issue you with a completion certificate for electrical works carried out.

The penalties for non-compliance for those caught undertaking the works include a fine of up to €50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years.

Members of the public who wish to report an unregistered individual who has undertaken electrical works or has portrayed themselves as a Registered Electrical Contractor should visit www.safeelectric.ie.

The CRU’s Commissioner, Fergal Mulligan, said: “This prosecution sends out a clear message to both unregistered electrical contractors and consumers. Members of the public should always ask their electrician if they are a Safe Electric Registered Electrical Contractor before they begin electrical work in your home and you should request a completion certificate for any work carried out.”