Energy supplier unreachable after down payment?

Questioner

Over a year ago I entered into an agreement with an energy service for the installation of solar panels on my home. Half of the costs were paid in advance (€2286.29). The installation has still not been carried out. Over the past 8 months I have tried to contact the company by email, telephone and registered letter. No response. The company does not respond in any way to my requests for contact and even when following their complaints procedure there is no response. The company is not affiliated with the Disputes Committee. When I visited the office there was no one present and the space gave a deserted impression. As far as I know the company is not listed as bankrupt. There was also no response to my notification that I was terminating the agreement. The registered letter in this regard turned out to be undeliverable. I want to take legal action in an attempt to at least get my deposit back. What is the best way to do this? I have not taken out legal expenses insurance.

Lawyer

I have read your question and it seems that this is a 'ghost construction' with possibly many victims. In order to set up legal proceedings, research will first have to be done into the working methods of the company and those responsible for it. This will take some time, but given the amount of money involved, I think it is worth it. If you contact me via this platform, I can provide you with further information. Greetings, Mr. Groenewegen, J.

Questioner

Thank you for your response to my question. I am not so sure that this is a 'ghost construction'. Someone from the company (my research showed he was the director) visited me when drawing up the assignment. The company installed solar panels at my neighbours 3 years ago. No down payment was requested at that time. The company's website (veba-energie.nl ) looks professional, but contact with the company and the director seems impossible for me. Similar complaints have been received about this company at Google review. My guess is that the company is in financial trouble and is therefore blocking all contact. Does it make sense to report the company to the police for fraud?

Lawyer

My apologies for the late response. Despite the fact that there are financial problems within the company, it is not right to make others suffer from this. It seems to me that you should report this, although it may take a very long time before the Justice Department responds. What is also important is that the director of the BV or company is held personally liable. With this, a civil lawsuit can then be set up. With your well-being, I can assist you in this. You may contact me via the email address: groenewegenjuristen@gmail.com.

Questioner

My thanks for your response and useful advice. Last week I filed a complaint with the police against the director of the company for fraud. I am now waiting to see if this will be processed. If not, I will gladly come back to you to start a civil lawsuit.

Lawyer

Good to hear that things are taking shape. I would like to hear from you. You can send me further messages via email address: groenewegenjuristen@gmail.com.