(Especially if you’re in Reservoir, VIC)
Electricity is an essential part of our daily lives, but it can also be dangerous when incorrectly handled. When it comes to electrical work in your home or business, cutting corners can cost you more than just money. From safety issues to insurance problems and legal trouble, hiring the wrong person for the job can lead to major headaches. That’s why, if you’re in Reservoir, Victoria, it’s essential to hire a licensed electrician—preferably one with local experience, like the team at Greenwood Electrical Group P/L Group P/L .
Greenwood Electrical Group P/L Group P/L are licensed electricians based in Reservoir who understand both the technical side of electrical work and the specific needs of Reservoir residents. Owners Paul Hodben and Simon Choate’s approach is straightforward: clear communication, compliance with all safety standards, and workmanship that speaks for itself.
Let’s take a closer look at why hiring a licensed electrician in Reservoir isn’t just a good idea—it’s absolutely necessary.
Why Licensing Matters in Victoria
Licensed electricians have received extensive training and certification to gain the in-depth knowledge and skills required to work with electricity safely. Electricians in Victoria must be licensed by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), the governing body responsible for ensuring electrical safety across the state. Licensed electricians also have a responsibility to keep up to date with changes in regulations and new technologies. They are required to take ongoing professional development courses to ensure they remain compliant with the latest standards.
A licensed electrician has:
- Completed formal training (Cert III in Electrotechnology)
- Completed a 4-year apprenticeship
- Passed the Licensed Electrician’s Assessment (LEA)
- Complies with Victorian electrical safety regulations
By hiring a licensed professional, you can rest assured that the electrical work performed on your property will be done to code, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring long-term safety. Companies like Greenwood Electrical Group P/L not only meet these standards—they exceed them. They’ve been proudly serving the Reservoir area for over 110 years and have earned a reputation for reliability, quality workmanship, and integrity.
Learn more about who we are and how we work.
Electrical Services That Require a Licensed Electrician
Under Victorian law, only licensed electricians can carry out regulated electrical work. Here are some of the most common services that should always be done by professionals like Greenwood Electrical Group P/L:

- Adding or relocating power outlets requires correct wiring and load balancing.
- Greenwood electricians ensure safety and compliance with AS/NZS 3000 standards.
- Older homes in Reservoir often still have outdated ceramic fuses.
- A switchboard upgrade ensures your home is protected by safety switches and modern circuit breakers.
🧯 Safety Switch Installations & Testing
- RCDs (safety switches) are required by law in all new homes.
- Greenwood conducts testing and installation to ensure your home is protected from electrical shock or fire.
- From LED upgrades to outdoor feature lighting, proper installation by a licensed professional prevents fire risks and costly repairs.
🏡 Rewires & Renovation Electrical
- Renovating or extending? A licensed electrician is legally required to inspect, wire, and certify all new circuits, appliances, and lighting systems.
🔋 Solar, EV Chargers, & Smart Home Systems
- These installations must follow Clean Energy Council and Victorian distribution network requirements.
These jobs aren’t just technical—they’re regulated. That means you can’t legally do them yourself, and you shouldn’t let someone unlicensed near your home’s wiring. And licensed electricians adhere to higher safety and quality standards ensuring that the electrical work is performed correctly, reducing the risk of power surges, system breakdowns, or other electrical problems.
Legal and Insurance Risks of DIY or Unlicensed Work
Many homeowners don’t realise how risky it is to hire an unlicensed operator—or worse, do the job themselves. When electrical work is done improperly, it can not only be dangerous but also costly.
⚖️ Under Victorian Law:
- All electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician and accompanied by a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES).
- Fines can reach $40,000 for the homeowner, and even more for the unlicensed operator.
🛡️ Insurance Risk:
- Insurance companies like RACV, AAMI, and Allianz require proof of licensed installation.
- If your house suffers an electrical fire and the work wasn’t certified, your claim can be denied.
Greenwood Electrical Group P/L always provides a COES on completion of any major work, offering clients peace of mind and full compliance.
Why Greenwood Electrical Group P/L Is the Best Electrician in Reservoir
There’s a reason why locals consider Greenwood Electrical Group P/L the best electrician in Reservoir it’s not about who’s cheapest—it’s about who’s qualified, reliable, and local. Here’s what sets them apart:
✅ Fully licensed & insured team, with 4 x A-Grade electricians and 1 Apprentice
✅ 110+ years serving the Reservoir community
✅ Transparent pricing and honest advice
✅ Fast response times for emergency electrical issues
✅ 5-star Google reviews from satisfied customers
✅ COES provided for every applicable job

Their team treats your home with respect and leaves it cleaner than they found it. Their team doesn’t just “tick the box”—they educate you about your home’s electrical systems and provide advice you can trust. Moreover, Greenwood Electrical Group P/L use the highest quality tools, parts, and materials to ensure that their work stands the test of time.
Real Consequences of Skipping a Licensed Electrician
Still thinking about hiring the “handyman” down the street?
Here’s what could go wrong:
| ❌ Issue | 🔥 Potential Consequence |
| DIY wiring | Fire, injury, or death |
| No COES | No insurance payout after an incident |
| Wrong cabling | Equipment failure, legal fines |
| Overloaded switchboards | Total power outage |
| Poor earthing | Increased risk of electrocution |
Every one of these issues has been seen in homes and businesses across Melbourne—and many of them started with a well-meaning but unlicensed operator. Licensed electricians understand how to handle electrical issues and hazards, preventing serious injury, electrical shocks, fires, or even death that can result from improper electrical work.
What the Research Says
📚 Australian Institute for Building Research (2020)
- 47% of all residential electrical fires in Victoria were linked to non-compliant work.
- Homes that used licensed electricians were 36% less likely to experience electrical faults.
📖 Full report: www.buildingresearch.org.au/reports/electrical-safety-2020
📊 Choice Magazine (2021)
- 1 in 5 homeowners who used unlicensed tradespeople had to pay again to fix the job.
- Licensed electricians were 3x more likely to offer written guarantees.
📰 Read: Choice Magazine – Why You Should Hire a Licensed Electrician
How to Verify an Electrician’s Licence in Victoria
Don’t just take someone’s word for it—check their credentials, Energy Safe Victoria offers a free online licence checker:
✅ Use Energy Safe Victoria’s licence checker
✅ Ask for a COES after the job
✅ Ensure they’re insured and certified
At Greenwood, we’re always happy to provide our licence number, proof of insurance, and explain exactly what we’ll do before we start.
Supporting the Local Economy (And Getting Better Service)
When you hire Greenwood Electrical Group P/L, you’re not just hiring an electrician—you’re supporting a local Reservoir business that reinvests in the community.
- They know the local infrastructure
- They’re familiar with council and network provider regulations
- They respond quickly because they’re just around the corner
When you search for an “electrician Reservoir” or “best electrician Reservoir,” think local. Think licensed. Think Greenwood Electrical Group P/L.
🔍 See why locals choose Greenwood: https://www.greenwoodelectrical.net.au/testimonials/
Final Thoughts
Electrical work is serious business—and so are the consequences of getting it wrong.

If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner in Reservoir, do it once and do it right with a licensed professional. Whether it’s a switchboard upgrade, installing new power points, or ensuring your home meets insurance and safety regulations, make sure your electrician is fully licensed, insured, and trusted in the community.
✅ For peace of mind, prompt service, and top-quality workmanship, call the team at Greenwood Electrical Group P/L.
Need Help from the Best Electrician in Reservoir?
Visit: https://www.greenwoodelectrical.net.au
Call: (03) 9460 7077
Paul Hobden (Owner): 0402 074 146
Simon Choate (Owner): 0418 489 766
Email: info@greenwoodelectrical.net.au
Proudly servicing Reservoir and surrounding areas for over 110 years.
Remember: If it involves wires, plugs, or power—don’t DIY, and don’t take shortcuts. Always hire a licensed electrician.
Greenwood Electrical Group P/L: Local. Licensed. Trusted.

