Benny Hill

Review of United Energy NV-SA

United Energy is just one of many privatised utili...

United Energy is just one of many privatised utility companies that sub contracts out work and breaks the chain of responsibility. Its nominated people do not have to comply with local laws, or even report to council when they are carrying out planned or emergency work. This results in them disrupting and inconveniencing the community with little regard. It is also a double standard, as everyone else has to go through the council and apply for permits to ensure safety and general compliance.

As I write this United energy contractors have turned up for a second day in a row without notification to any neighbours, blocking the street and access to get in an out of driveways particularly for frontline medical workers. In addition they have a hit a water main, indicating they are incompetent at even doing their job in the first place.

A week ago when a different utility company turned up to do a similar exercise, I spoke to United energy who had no planned works. I was told that notification period of two weeks, and 48 hours is in place. However due to the delegation of subcontractors this responsibility and common courtesy is often not complied with. In addition, these works are planned as it is for a new build, and therefore there should be no exemptions from notifying neighbouring people as it is not an emergency.

At the end of the day the community pays the additional price, as we cover the inefficiency via mandated increases in daily supply charges and price margin on our invoices.

Not to mention, the inefficient way they operate which adds to further polluting and exploiting our planet.