Around 4400 faulty LG solar storage batteries linked to house fires and property damage are still in circulation, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
LG has now accepted a court enforceable undertaking from the ACCC that it will intensify its campaign in alerting and protecting consumers with potentially hazardous solar storage batteries.
LG’s solar battery units have been found to overheat and even catch fire without any forewarning. There have been 15 incidents where property damage was a direct result, including a home in Victoria that was completely destroyed.
LG first issued voluntary recalls in 2020, and around 18,000 batteries are thought to be affected. The Korean manufacturer has committed to an expanded advertising push destined to reach consumers unaware of the hazards linked to the recalled batteries, with the ACCC expecting all batteries to be recalled within the next 12 months.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe warned households with solar energy storage to be vigilant. “We are warning consumers who have a solar energy storage system to check if their battery is affected by these LG recalls. If you have an affected battery, including one that has already received a software update, switch it off and contact LG urgently,” she said.
In one alarming instance an affected battery was involved in a fire, despite receiving a software update aimed at reducing this risk. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and whether the software update failed to work as it should. The ACCC is warning households to turn off their LG battery storage as soon as possible.
“The ACCC is extremely concerned by this development, and we are keeping a close watch. LG is contacting affected customers now to instruct them to switch off their batteries. We urge all consumers who previously had a software update installed to immediately switch off their battery, pending the outcome of these investigations,” Ms Lowe said.
“As part of the undertaking given to the ACCC, LG has agreed to replace these affected batteries or provide refunds to consumers if investigations conclude that a software update is no longer an appropriate remedy. LG will also provide compensation to consumers with these batteries for higher energy bills incurred during the period their battery is switched off.”
These concerns have prompted immediate action from LG and close monitoring by the ACCC, with consumers who had the software update being advised to power down their batteries as a precautionary measure.
The ACCC described LG’s advertising to the dangers of their batteries as “inadequate”, after Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones issued a proposed recall notice – a formal step towards compulsory recall of a product. LG has since made additional commitments to avoid the compulsory recall notice.
LG now has a year to avoid further action from the ACCC, although the government body has also indicated that it may seek orders in the Federal Court if it believes the battery manufacturer is not doing enough.
What steps should consumers take? Firstly, check if your LG battery is part of the recall by visiting the LG Energy Solution website and following the ‘Electrical Safety Recall’ link. If unsure or in need of assistance, LG Energy Solution Australia can be reached directly for help. Secondly, if your battery is implicated, immediately deactivate it and seek guidance from LG on the recommended course of action. Compensation for accompanying increases in energy expenses will be available for affected consumers.
In adhering to these measures, consumers can navigate through this recall with confidence, knowing that steps are being taken to mitigate any risks associated with these LG solar storage batteries.
What can consumers do if they think they have a faulty LG battery?
1. Check or check again if your battery has been recalled.
Affected LG batteries may be in other branded systems including SolaX and in unbranded solar energy systems. Visit https://www.lgessbattery.com/au, click on ‘Electrical Safety Recall’ and follow the instructions to find out if your battery is affected by the recall.
If you need help, immediately contact LG Energy Solution Australia (LG) by phone on 1300 677 273 or by email to [emailprotected].
Further information is on the Product Safety Australia website:
PRA 2020/18529 – LG Energy Solution Australia Pty Ltd (formerly LG Chem Australia Pty Ltd) — ESS Home Energy Storage System Batteries
PRA 2022/19420 – SolaX Power Aus Pty Ltd – LG S/A Gen2 Home Energy Storage System (ESS) Batteries
PRA 2022/19550 – LG Energy Solution Australia Pty Ltd (formerly LG Chem Australia Pty Ltd) — LG ESS Home Energy Storage System Batteries
2. If your battery has been recalled, switch it off.
To switch off the affected LG battery safely, refer to the instructions for your energy storage system or contact the installer or LG 1300 677 273 or email [emailprotected].
3. Contact LG.
Contact LG to let it know you have a recalled battery and arrange your remedy. This will include financial compensation if you have higher electricity bills as a result of not being able to use your battery.
For all affected batteries, including those in LG, SolaX or Opal Redback, Red Earth, Eguana or VARTA battery systems, contact LG on 1300 677 273
Wrap up question
Do you have a solar energy storage battery? Are you worried about your battery? Let us know in the comments.
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