Hi guys.
a few weeks back I was diging in the garden (digging to find hte start of the footings to our house) and unfotunately put my spade through the mains cable to our block of houses.
Now, when we first called eastern electricity they said that because it was outside the house we wouldnt be charged for it.
But, EDF energy (who I assume were subcontracted to do the repair) have sent us a bill for nearly 500 quid. to say im ****ed off is an understatement.
I would like to know how I stand on this. The cable had no protective sheilding at all, and there wasnt even any warning tape, or anything. It was some 6 inches out from the house wall (not even clipped to the wall), and was about 35, 40cm deep the ground.
Based on the lack of proection, I had previously told them in a letter that although I drove the spade through the cable, I didnt consider myself responsible. However, they claim that its not their responsibility either because "cables can be moved" etc. wtf? So why does that place the responsibility onto me then?
I think they are just trying the corporate blag. clearly I dont want to say" well take me to court then" if ultimately I dont have a leg to stand on.
thanks for any advice
a few weeks back I was diging in the garden (digging to find hte start of the footings to our house) and unfotunately put my spade through the mains cable to our block of houses.
Now, when we first called eastern electricity they said that because it was outside the house we wouldnt be charged for it.
But, EDF energy (who I assume were subcontracted to do the repair) have sent us a bill for nearly 500 quid. to say im ****ed off is an understatement.
I would like to know how I stand on this. The cable had no protective sheilding at all, and there wasnt even any warning tape, or anything. It was some 6 inches out from the house wall (not even clipped to the wall), and was about 35, 40cm deep the ground.
Based on the lack of proection, I had previously told them in a letter that although I drove the spade through the cable, I didnt consider myself responsible. However, they claim that its not their responsibility either because "cables can be moved" etc. wtf? So why does that place the responsibility onto me then?
I think they are just trying the corporate blag. clearly I dont want to say" well take me to court then" if ultimately I dont have a leg to stand on.
thanks for any advice