ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS ON HOLD

An electrical inspection program that monitors homes using abnormally
high amounts of electricity and targets marijuana grow-ops has been
put on hold again.

Last year a B.C. Supreme Court decision temporarily shut down the
Richmond program after a judge ruled police would no longer be
allowed to attend the home inspections.

Council was poised to bring the program back in a slightly altered
form, but decided against it Monday, instead referring it back to
staff for more work.

"I think it's only going to strengthen our bylaw and make it more
conclusive on what we're trying to do and what we're trying to
accomplish," said Coun. Bill McNulty. "It's going to be a safer and
more thorough bylaw."

Council faced questions Monday as to what level of electricity use
triggers an inspection. Concerns were also expressed about the
continued police involvement in the inspections and the fees charged
to homeowners who simply use high amounts of electricity.