Concerns Raised Following E.ON Next Employee Visit to Vulnerable Tenant

Concerns have been raised following the conduct of an E.ON Next employee during a gas meter visit to a vulnerable tenant, after issues were reported relating to identification, language, and professionalism.

E.ON Next

According to the resident, the employee attended the property for a scheduled gas meter-related appointment. Before allowing entry, the resident requested that the employee present physical photographic identification, in line with commonly recommended home security guidance.

The resident states that the employee was not wearing E.ON-branded or otherwise recognisable company work clothing at the time of the visit. As a result, verification of physical identification was considered particularly important.

When initially asked to show ID, the employee did not present physical photographic identification. Instead, he reportedly gestured towards his hat. When the request was repeated, the employee stated that he was from E.ON and had attended to repair the gas meter, but still did not provide physical ID at that stage.

The resident further reports that when the requirement for physical identification was reiterated, the employee became argumentative and expressed dissatisfaction with the request, making comments about having to retrieve the ID from his vehicle.

Despite being informed that only physical identification would be accepted, the employee then attempted to show identification in the form of a photograph on a mobile phone.

After again being told that entry would not be permitted without physical photo ID, the employee walked away and was heard using inappropriate language, which the resident interpreted as being directed at the refusal of entry.

The employee later retrieved and presented physical photographic identification following continued insistence. Entry to the property was not granted until this occurred.

Before allowing access, the resident requested an apology. An apology was subsequently given while a family member was on the phone to E.ON Next making a formal complaint. The resident stated that the apology appeared to have been offered primarily in order to proceed with the visit.

The resident has emphasised that the concern is not the request for identification itself, but the manner in which a reasonable and widely advised security precaution was challenged. The visit involved a vulnerable tenant, which the resident believes made adherence to safeguarding and professional conduct standards especially important.

Energy suppliers and consumer safety guidance routinely advise householders to verify physical identification before allowing access to their homes.

E.ON Next has been contacted for comment. At the time of publication, no response had been received.