If you received this from an email link, here’s the fast version: Peterson Oil agreed to a $14,000,000 class action settlement, and you may be entitled to cash if you (or property you own) received heating fuel from Peterson Oil, Cleghorn Oil, or Cape Discount Fuel during the covered time period.
Why This Lawsuit Exists?
The lawsuit claims Peterson Oil blended elevated levels of biodiesel into heating oil, which allegedly:
Didn’t meet industry standards
Delivered fewer BTUs (less heat efficiency)
Forced customers to buy more fuel
Caused heating system shutdowns
Led to long-term equipment damage
Peterson Oil denies all wrongdoing, but agreed to settle to avoid continued litigation.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
You may be a Class Member if any of the following apply:
You purchased heating fuel from Peterson Oil, Cleghorn Oil, or Cape Discount Fuel
between January 1, 2012 and November 12, 2025You own or owned heating equipment that used fuel delivered by Peterson Oil during that time
(even if you weren’t the customer — e.g., landlords or home buyers)You received a mailed settlement notice (based on company delivery records)
✔ Cape Discount Fuel customers
✔ Cleghorn Oil customers (Dec. 30, 2013 onward)
are included.
How Much Money Can You Get?
Class members may receive up to two types of payments:
1. Heat Loss / No Heat Incident Payments
For times you lost heat or hot water, or paid for repairs:
Up to $180 per incident
(no documentation required — sworn statement only)If you spent over $500 on a single incident, you can claim the full amount with documentation
Covers incidents during:
Jan. 1, 2012 – July 5, 2016
July 5, 2019 – Jan. 29, 2026
At least $1,426,836.67 is reserved for these claims.
If claims exceed that amount, payments are reduced proportionally.
2. Pro Rata Cash Payment (Automatic for Most People)
This compensates for alleged overpayment and fuel-related damage.
Based on how many gallons of fuel you received compared to all class members
At least $6,806,496.66 is set aside for these payments
No claim form required unless:
There’s a dispute over who owns the heating equipment
Your mailing address has changed
⚠️ If you received money from the prior partial settlement (2016–2019), that amount will be deducted from this pro rata payment (but not from heat-loss payments).
Your Options (Quick Comparison)
| Your Choice | What It Means | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Do Nothing | Stay in the settlement and receive your automatic pro rata payment (if eligible) | No action required |
| File a Claim | Get heat loss payments + pro rata payment | February 11, 2026 |
| Object | Tell the court you disagree with the settlement | January 5, 2026 |
How to File a Claim?
You must file a claim to receive heat loss / repair payments.
Claim Deadline: February 11, 2026
You can file:
Online
By mail
Or request a form by phone: 1-844-625-7313
