SPOKANE – A Spokane electrician is facing a $144,000 fine for allegedly installing car chargers without a license or safety inspection.
After receiving a tip, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) opened an investigation in September and has now issued five citations. Toby Miller, owner of GEM Electric NW Inc., in Spokane, allegedly failed to obtain permits or schedule required inspections when installing 32 EV chargers in Spokane, Pullman and Liberty Lake.
“We have already had contact with this electrical contractor, so he knows what the requirements are; he just chooses not to follow them,” said L&I Chief Electrical Program Inspector Wayne Molesworth. “Obtaining a permit and requesting an inspection are two ways to ensure that a facility meets minimum requirements and is free from hazards that could harm people.”
This is the third time Miller has been cited for the same violations, jeopardizing his electrical contractor and administrator licenses. Miller appealed the citations to the state electrical board.
Spokane-based Avista Corp. contracted with GEM and another company to install the EV chargers. The work took place between August 2 and September 29. GEM Electric faces three citations: doing work without a permit; do electrical work without a municipal permit; and not requesting an inspection.