GEIA is an Approved Electrical Inspection Authority accredited by the South African Department of Labour in terms of the Electrical Installation Regulations (2009), and the only one based in Gauteng.

As a result of the change of Government in 1994, the Department of Labour introduced sweeping internal management changes, which resulted in the demise of their Inspectorate to a very large extent.

Simultaneously, the Municipal authorities downgraded their Inspectorate, which left the Electrical Contracting Industry, to regulate itself, based on the principals incorporated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act No 85 of 1993.

It was soon discovered that industry was unable to regulate its activities satisfactorily.

As a result of this, an initiative was implemented whereby the Department, in terms of Section 12 of the Electrical Machinery Regulations, established the criteria within which Approved Inspection Authorities could investigate incidents and complaints on their behalf. GEIA has subsequently been appointed as an Approved Electrical Inspection Authority in terms of the provisions of the Electrical Installation Regulations (2009).

GEIA is currently preparing for the implementation of an operational standard through SANAS (South African National Accreditation System), which has been included in the Electrical Installation Regulations (2009), and has SANAS Accreditation pending.

The Approved Inspection Authorities are the only bodies able to assist the public in terms of protection against dangerous and illegal electrical work.