To the best of my knowledge, ESB are aobliged to supply +/-5% of the standard voltage (230vac or 400vac).
Voltage spikes, however are very hard to prove and they may occur during switching on of the ESB network.
I'ld imagine that trying to apportion blame to ESB will be very difficult.
In relation to the control unit and other units failing; it could well be the fact that it was a bad batch of units, purchased and fitted at same time.
See what fridge engineer says, but do not mention "power surges".
No, a power-surge protection system is not standard in domestic installations.