Electricity supplier Energex has launched a new campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of reporting shocks and tingles experienced around the home.
Area Manager at Energex, Chris Graham said this could be a sign of deadly electrical hazards.
Mr Graham said customer calls to Energex’s contact centre had revealed an alarming lack of knowledge about the safest course of action.
“For example, we had a call from a customer who felt a shock when he touched a tap outside and thought it was hilarious, so he told his teenage nephew to try it,” Mr Graham said.
“They made a game of it until someone warned them to report it to us, because shocks and tingles can indicate a life-threatening electrical fault.”
He said the key message of the Utility’s campaign was if you touch something that gives you a shock or tingle, the next thing you touch should be your phone.
“Call Energex immediately to report it so we can send a crew, at no charge, to investigate,” Mr Graham said.
“Customers have also unwittingly risked their lives by using workarounds to avoid further shocks, like wearing thongs in the shower, rubber gloves when they’re doing dishes or avoiding certain power points,” he said.
Mr Graham said delayed reporting was usually due to ignorance, “so we want everyone to understand these incidents are serious and if you don’t act immediately, you are putting yourself or someone else at risk”.
Electrical hazards can be reported to Energex on phone 13 19 62.
