Problems with E.On and F.I.T application

Marksfish

6th April, we had a 3kw solar system fitted that was purchased by ourselves. After checking the figures, we agreed that a finance plan would be "near enough" self financing for a majority of the year, given the F.I.T payments, and easily paid off with no penalty if we required. 16 days ago, the mountain of paperwork was hand delivered to the Caxton Road address, so I know it arrived. Until yesterday, I had heard nothing from them.

Yesterday evening I received an email stating that as I purchased the panels on a finance agreement, I had to submit my finance agreement to them. The way I read the email, they are saying if I don't submit this, I will have to re- apply and will lose any monies I have been entitled to from generating since 6th April. Now, this agreement contains personal and confidential information, why should I have to provide that? I have already provided a certificate of ownership which is the requirement to receive the payments.

I have tried to contact them to ask why they want this information as if I have to provide it, it will be heavily edited. Obviously the email was sent at going home time as there was no phone response and email remains unanswered. I would prefer to be ready for them when they reply with any response.

Thanks

Mark

rogerblack

Ask them why they require the finance agreement.
My limited understanding is that if they get it wrong, and the installation turns out not to be elegible for FIT for one reason or another, they may have to pick up the tab separately, and not be covered by the usual mechanisms.
This may be why they are taking more care.
Alternatively.
6th April till now is about half a month - perhaps 120 units - 30 quid - so it's not that much if you change FIT provider due to objecting to the process.

May I ask why you object?
Do you think they're going to go and tell everyone?
They are bound by the data protection act - unless the forms are clear evidence of crime.

Marksfish

Sorry for the delay replying, but have it solved now.

The response from E.On was:

It is an Ofgem regulation that we have to ensure that when customers are applying for Feed in Tariff payments that they have paid their installer for the installation.

Not sure why Ofgem want to make sure the installers are paid on a private transaction? Anyhow I got a letter from the bank issuing the loan to state that a sum of money was paid to the installer for the purchase of solar panels, this seems to have appeased them and they are continuing to process the application.

In answer to your question though Roger, I have nothing to hide, but I do not feel that a energy company has the right to see my private and confidential information. For all I know, my next door neighbour may be processing the paperwork and I don't really want all and sundry to know my salary, outgoings, repayment amounts, etc, even with data protection laws.

Mark