Retail Supplier Settles Lawsuit Which Had Sought Class Action Status

Greater Boston Legal Services said in a news release that the parties in Fuentes et al. v. SFE Energy Massachusetts, Inc., a case in which the plaintiffs had brought a suit seeking class action status which was filed in Massachusetts Superior Court (Middlesex County), have reached a settlement.

Greater Boston Legal Services said in a news release that, "The case, brought by Greater Boston Legal Services on behalf of three individual Plaintiffs in Superior Court, alleged that SFE Energy Massachusetts, Inc. ('SFE'), in the course of its residential door-to-door sales business, did not accurately represent potential savings or provide certain disclosures to consumers. Plaintiffs alleged that this violated the Commonwealth’s consumer protection statute, Chapter 93A. The case concerned door-to-door sales of residential energy supply contracts by SFE’s agents to the three Plaintiffs between 2017 and 2018, one of whom allegedly experienced a language barrier during the sale."

SFE denied all allegations, and presented how the company complied with applicable law and regulations.

Greater Boston Legal Services said in a news release that, "To avoid the continued burden and expense of litigation, the parties entered into an agreement fully settling the case on mutually agreeable terms."

SFE has admitted no liability or wrongdoing. There have been no findings as to the merits of the lawsuit.

As part of the settlement, SFE will undertake a review of its Massachusetts residential supply contract, and forgo termination fees for Massachusetts residential customers who enrolled with SFE via door-to-door sales between 2017 and 2019, upon request to SFE from such customers.

SFE has also decided to make a charitable contribution to a Greater Boston home energy assistance program.

All other terms of the settlement are confidential.

Plaintiffs have dismissed the case with prejudice.

Case 1981CV01030 Fuentes, Rafael vs. Sfe Energy Massachusetts, Inc.