EON Next Termination Fee on Death

Lesmo

Dealign with my Mum's various bits and pieces after she passed away a few weeks ago.  And I have to say I find it a hard pill to swallow that EON take £150 in early termination charges for someone who has died.  BT didn't q

marcia_

Lesmo said:

Dealign with my Mum's various bits and pieces after she passed away a few weeks ago.  And I have to say I find it a hard pill to swallow that EON take £150 in early termination charges for someone who has died.  BT didn't q

 Have you spoken to the bereavement team or just the general phone line? 

Reed_Richards

But presumably the account continues so should not whatever rate she was on pass to her estate (if she lived alone)?  I don't understand what is terminating.  I'm sorry for your loss and doubtless you are still getting to grips with things; speak to the Bereavement Tam as @marcia_ advises.  

EssexHebridean

I’m so sorry for your loss, and that you are having to deal with this. 

Assuming that the house is owned, then the account should simply run on but with no DD being taken I believe until the estate is settled. It definitely does need to go through the bereavement team though, otherwise you do run the risk of being chased for arrears.

Netexporter

I don't understand what is terminating

I assume it is the early exit penalties on a fixed contract.

Lesmo

Sorry, I pressed Enter by accident.  It was a Council House, so had to be returned to them so they were equally understanding as the energy company - 4 weeks to strip that and all the carpets.  The Energy was ending as the house was also ending.  

FreeBear

EssexHebridean said:

I’m so sorry for your loss, and that you are having to deal with this. 

Assuming that the house is owned, then the account should simply run on but with no DD being taken I believe until the estate is settled. It definitely does need to go through the bereavement team though, otherwise you do run the risk of being chased for arrears.

And once the bank has been informed of the death, they should be blocking all transactions including direct debits.

I see that Eon.Next has partnered with NotifyNOW to simplify the process of notifying a range of companies about a death. I have a problem with the company behind NotifyNOW - It is run by Phillips & Cohen Associates, a company that specialises in recovering debts (including statute barred ones) from estates of the deceased. Anecdotal evidence suggests that they are not averse to lying to the bereaved as to who is responsible for repaying any debt.

Reed_Richards

Lesmo said:

Sorry, I pressed Enter by accident.  It was a Council House, so had to be returned to them so they were equally understanding as the energy company - 4 weeks to strip that and all the carpets.  The Energy was ending as the house was also ending.  

Oh, I see.  But Eon should be much more considerate, and probably will be if you can talk to the right person.

EssexHebridean

Philips and Cohen are not a nice bunch, but they do at least have the advantage of understanding that they simply have to wait for their money - at least when there is a solicitor involved. 

OP - I still feel it’s unacceptable for Eon to levy the early termination fee in your situation - I’d consider sticking it on public social media if I were you - ensuring they are tagged in.  They may well not like the bad publicity. 

Lesmo

Thanks all, not sure what has happened - certainly I haven't had time to follow up myself, but yesterday I received a second Bill from EON and they have reversed the charges so I am now £150 in credit.  I would like to think its a change of policy or change or heart.  But all the same £150 should be returned.  Thanks all for your messages and ideas.