Further to our previous articles (click here and here) on a gas scam that has been carried out in Jimena, the Town Hall has published a bando (official announcement) on the matter. It gives instructions on what to do if you get a knock on the door from what could be an unauthorized gas installer, of which Jimena has had its fair share already, having taken up to €250 from elderly and non-Spanish-speaking residents. They are unlikely to turn up this time of year, though. For a translation
1. Inspections are obligatory EVERY FIVE YEARS and must be carried out by an authorized installer or the distributors of your supplier. Payment is made by the consumer.
2. When gas installers turns up at your home, you are not obliged to accept their services, and may choose another authorized installer.
3. You must make sure that the inspection is carried out by an authorized installer and should ask to see identification through their authorized installer card (carné de instalador autorizado).
4. Before they carry out any work, ask for their prices and compare these to those of other installers. You should ask for an estimate prior to having any work done, and there is no obligation to accept. If you choose to accept it, ask for a proper, detailed receipt (factura detallada) and keep the parts that have been replaced, as these will be evidence should you have any claims to make later on.
5. Rubber tubing need only be replaced if it is deteriorated or out of date, while the clamps (abrazaderas) and regulators (reguladores or ‘alcachofas’) do not have an expiry date. Remember that you can change the tubes yourself and that they cost around €2 at local shops.
6. Changing the tubes, clamps or regulators does not imply that the whole installation has been carried out. This is a more complex operation.
7. The company that carries out the inspection must give you a certificate (CERTIFICADO DE REVISIÓN PERIÓDICA).Signed
THE MAYOR
Pascual Collado Saraiva
JimenaPulse 
Leave a comment