I’m writing to encourage Baybiscuit to follow Jimmy’s instructions to engage the Fair Trading Tribunal approach. He suggested this for us to resolve a negative response from our Committee to install a power-point, which was to be connected to our own power meter, in our own storage space. After twelve months and two attendances at the Tribunal, which requested further changes to the Committee’s demands, we have our job done very satisfactorily.
Below are the demands madeby our Committee:
- Obtain report (paid for by the Owner) from the base building Electrical Engineer stating that there is no detrimental electrical impact from the installation.
- Obtain report (paid for by the Owner) from the base building Fire Engineer stating that the installation will not impact the essential fire services.
- Obtain report from the base building Certifier confirming there are no BCA issues.
- Arrange an independent inspection/report (electrician engaged by the Owners Corporation) confirming that the GPO is connected to Unit 203’s electrical meter and not the common power supply.
- Installation is restricted to 10 amp single phase (this will allow a plug in lamp, but will not allow a radiant heater, electric saw, etc…)
- Owner to provide a diagram/plan of the proposed route to ensure it is visually acceptable.
- Must be connected to a separate RCBO (separate circuit).
We obtained quotes for the above reports which would have cost almost $1500, and the end result after twelve months and attending Tribunals twice was :
Installation of a power-point by the same Electrical Contractor who is used by our Building Corporation Manager, connected to our own power meter. This is exactly what we asked for in the first place.
So Strata Committees can be unreasonable in my view, just hang in there and hold out for your rights,
BTW, we are both in our eighties and first time apartment dwellers, who are very appreciative of Jimmy and his work and supportive attitude.