EON £160 Invoice for fitting a brown plastic control knob

DennyL_2

My husband was approached by Eon to become a customer for a monthly central heating cover plan in case the boiler broke down, which he duly switched to. A man came out from Eon to assess whether we could be considered for the scheme.

We were told that we could become customers if a new control knob was fitted. WE WERE NOT VERBALLY TOLD NOR GIVEN A WRITTEN QUOTE as to any cost involved in this fitting of this said knob.

Imagine our suprise when we received a £160 bill for this fitting. Apparently, Eon charge £60 per hour labour charges for a start, so that this plastic knob is worth £100. Surely, this can't be correct.

Can my husband refuse to pay this?

Thank you for any help you can give in this matter.

D H Lincoln

Magentasue

A strongly worded letter, I think.

Eon t&c does say that the cover does not include improvements to get system to standard such as modern controls, and that such work is chargeable. However, it also says that if they identify work that needs to be done that isn't covered by the contract, they'll provide a quote.

http://www.eonenergy.com/At-Home/Products/Central-Heating/Maintenance+Plans+More+Info.htm

Unless I'm missing something ...

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi DennyL

Can well understand the shock of receiving this type of bill out of the blue.

I am not an expert on our Central Heating services so I have just spoken to someone who is. Hope the following helps.

On the initial inspection for Central Heating cover our engineer will assess what is needed to bring a boiler up to the required standard. A report will then be sent back to us. Work will not usually be carried out at this point.

Our office will then quote for the work recommended by the engineer. More often than not by phone.

You can either accept the quote and arrange a suitable time for the work to be done; or arrange for your own independent engineer to do the work for you.

Once the boiler has been repaired to the required standard a formal contract will be arranged to cover your system.

Each individual case is different. As you were not told how much this work would cost please give our Central Heating inspection team a call on 0800 068 7084. Ask them to review your particular case.

As I say, I am no expert on these matters but hope this helps.

Malc