Ontario Energy Group (OEG) Deceptive Leases $15M Class Action Lawsuit Settlement

Update:

• The claim deadline has been extended to Aug. 25, 2022.

Ontario Energy Group (OEG) agreed to pay nearly $15 million to resolve class action lawsuit claims it violated Canadian law with deceptive leases.

The settlement benefits individuals who were party to a lease agreement with Ontario Energy Group between May 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2016.

Ontario Energy Group is an HVAC provider offering energy-efficient systems to homeowners. The company offers financing for its services, including lease agreements. 

According to a 2016 class action lawsuit, Ontario Energy Group’s lease agreements are misleading. Plaintiffs in the case say the false representations in the leases violate Canada’s Consumer Protection Act and Competition Act.

The false advertising class action lawsuit claims OEG allowed Home Trust Co. to purchase interest in customer lease agreements. As a result, the company allegedly collected money from lessees and registered liens against lessees’ homes.

Ontario Energy Group hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to settle these claims with a $14.95 million settlement.

Under the terms of the settlement, both active and former lessees are eligible for a cash payment. Payments will vary depending on the amount each Class Member paid in monthly rental payments, various fees, and interest.

Current lessees are eligible for additional benefits including a reduction to how much Ontario Energy Group can raise monthly payments each year (reduced from 3.8% to 2.5%) and access to a lower cost buyout program. 

Class Members may need to provide documentation to receive these benefits. Required documentation could include lease agreements, related correspondence, bank statements, invoices, complaints, notices of security interests, and more. 

Around 225 current lessees may even be able to have their lease cancelled in lieu of a cash payment. 

Class Members do not have to take any special action to have their lease cancelled. At the end of the claims period, the settlement administrator will identify up to 225 eligible leases for cancellation. Any buyout requests must be made directly to Ontario Energy Group, not to the settlement administrator.

The opt-out period for the OEG class action lawsuit settlement has passed. 

Class Members who haven’t opted out are now bound by the settlement terms.

To benefit from the Ontario Energy Group class action settlement, Class Members must submit a valid claim form by Aug. 8, 2022.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals who were party to a lease agreement with Ontario Energy Group between May 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2016.

Potential Award

Varies.

Payments will vary depending on the amount each Class Member paid in monthly rental payments, various fees, and interest.

Proof of Purchase

Lease agreements, related correspondence, bank statements, invoices, complaints, notices of security interests, and more.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

08/25/2022

Case Name

Estate of Hugh Cullaton, et al. v. MDG Newmarket Inc., et al., Court File No. 1850/16 CP in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice

Final Hearing

Unknown

Settlement Website

OEGClassAction.ca

Claims Administrator

Epiq Class Action Services Canada Inc.
Attention: OEG Class Action Settlement
P.O. Box 507 STN B
Ottawa ON K1P 5P6
1-833-358-9423
info@OEGclassaction.ca
Fax: 1-866-262-0816

Class Counsel

FOREMAN & COMPANY PROFESSIONAL CORP.

Defense Counsel

HENEIN HUTCHISON LLP

GOWLING WLG (CANADA) LLP

Marl Hemingway
General counsel and corporate secretary, HOME TRUST CO.