Eversource Class Action: Utility Accused of Unfair Reconnection Fees

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Eversource Energy is charging excessive and unjustified reconnection fees to customers in Massachusetts.

Consumers Affected: Eversource customers in Massachusetts who have paid a reconnection fee.

Court: Superior Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Suffolk, SS.

Eversource Energy is the target of a lawsuit claiming its $102 reconnection fee unfairly exploits customers. The utility, which serves numerous households in Massachusetts, is accused of imposing charges disproportionate to the actual cost of restoring electricity after a shutoff.

Eversource Accused of Charging Excessive Reconnection Fees

Plaintiff Allison Newton, a resident of Lee, Massachusetts, leads the lawsuit against Eversource. After her electricity was turned off in August 2024, Newton arranged to have it restored. However, when she received her next bill, she discovered the $102 reconnection fee. Newton claims the company failed to disclose this charge during her discussions to reinstate service.

The filing states that Newton’s home, like others serviced by Eversource, is equipped with a smart meter. These devices allow the company to disconnect and reconnect service remotely without requiring an on-site visit. Newton claims the reconnection fee is excessive compared to the negligible cost of using these meters.

“Such fees only add hardship to hardship and are unconscionable,” the lawsuit argues.

Eversource Reconnection Fees Criticized as Outdated

Court documents argue that reconnection fees were once tied to the cost of sending technicians to physically restore service. With the introduction of smart meters, those costs have virtually disappeared. The lawsuit highlights examples of other utilities, such as Florida Power & Light and Ameren, which charge only $5 for reconnection, while some impose no fee at all.

The complaint alleges that Eversource’s $102 fee serves no legitimate purpose and disproportionately affects customers already facing financial strain. Paying the fee does not reduce any outstanding balances, creating further difficulties for those already struggling to pay their bills.

“As a result, [the defendant’s] $102 ‘reconnect charges’ far exceed Eversource’s actual cost of reconnecting electric service and is nothing more than an expensive excuse to collect money from struggling consumers who can afford it the least—who are already struggling to keep the lights on,” the complaint states.

Other Companies Face Lawsuits Over Questionable Fees

Eversource joins a growing list of companies accused of imposing questionable fees on customers.

• Mr. Cooper: Mortgage servicer Mr. Cooper faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly charging borrowers $25 for loan payoff quotes. Plaintiffs argue the fee is unjustified, given that the quotes can be generated electronically.
  
  
• Bank of America: The bank recently settled claims over undisclosed fees on incoming wire transfers. Customers alleged they were misled about additional charges, which amounted to $15 per transfer.

In the Eversource reconnection fee class action lawsuit, Newton looks to represent all Massachusetts residents with smart meters who paid the reconnection fee. She is seeking refunds for the reconnection fees and a court order requiring Eversource to adjust its policies. She contends that these practices unfairly penalize vulnerable customers and calls for greater accountability. 

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Allison Newton v. Eversource Energy
• Case Number: 2484CV03192
• Court: Superior Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Suffolk, SS.

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Jonathan M. Hixon (Hackett Feinberg, P.C.)
• Jeffrey Kaliel, Sophia Gold, and Amanda Rosenberg (Kaliel Gold PLLC)

Are you an Eversource customer in Massachusetts? Have you paid a reconnection fee? Share your experience in the comments below.