Shortly after the reveal of the Victorian State Budget last week, Treasurer Tim Pallas’ office issued a media release pledging the Andrews Government’s assistance with reducing delays for connecting power to new homes.

This follows recent reports from various parts of regional Victoria that both builders and their clients had been experiencing significant delays in connecting power to otherwise-completed homes, making it impossible to issue certificates of occupancy, and disallowing builders from completing projects before moving on to new ones. In at least some cases, the delays had been linked to industrial disputes between the power provider and the Electrical Trades Union (ETU).

The Labor Government says they have asked the Electrical Services Commission (ESC) to report to them what they can observe about the ways these companies connect new homes to power. The Government will analyse the findings, which are due by 18 September 2018, and decide on the best course of action, which may be through regulations.

Master Builders observes that in addition to the nuisance power connection delays cause both builders and their clients, it may also contribute to the housing affordability crisis by adding to costs associated with the completion of new homes.

Click here to read the media release.