NPower gas boiler maintenance rip off

[Space Baoy]

Around 6 monthe ago, I changed My gas boiler maintenance service contract from British Gas to NPower to save around £4 a month. With hindsite, it, a VERY foolish move...

 

British Gas had served me well for around 5 years, and had fixed my boiler on 3 occassions. As part of the service, they also did regular inspections to make sure all was well (and safe).

 

Well, I joined NPower, had the engineer come and do my pre-contract inspection (all was well, and they were happy to take it on), and I felt secure that I was covered, should the boiler break down.

 

Well, it did.

 

NPower couldn't come out for 2 days, and when they could come out, they couldn't tell me what time it would be. Consequently, I had to have the day off work. The engineer eventually arrived, and declared that my boiler fault was due to that fact that it 'hadn't been installed correctly, and couldn't work properly as it was', and that I 'would have to 'pay for remedial work.'

 

I explained that the boiler had been working for over 15 years. I also explained that British Gas were happy to fix it, and that NPower themselves were happy to take it on contract following the inspection.

 

All this was to no avail. They've told me they want me to pay £500 to 'put the installation right.' If I don't do this, they won't fix it.

 

I replied, 'As you won't cover my boiler, surely that means the contract is void, and I am free to cancel without further penalties?'

 

WRONG!!!

 

If I cancel my contract, they will charge me for the engineer call-out PLUS the monthly charges for the remainder of the 12 month contract.

 

Unbelievable.

 

I've got British Gas to come out and fix it for £99 flat fee. From my previous service history with them, they knew exactly what the fault was when I logged the call.

 

And, no it isn't due to being installed (15 years ago) in such a way it will never work.

 

If I have the energy, I will do legal on this. It's an absolute [problem]. I wonder how many other people get the same treatment.

 

DON'T TOUCH NPOWER GAS BOILER MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS!!! YOU'LL BE VERY SORRY!!!

[citizenB]

Have moved your thread to the Utilities forums.

 

I have to ask.. why did you change from BG to Npower in the first place - was it purely the £4.00 per month saving.. you appear to have been quite happy where you were..