Suit against Massachustts Power Company Moves Forward

A Massachusetts Superior Court judge has allowed a lawsuit brought by residents and businesses served by electric utility Unitil to go forward.

The 13 plaintiffs are seeking damages for losses incurred in an ice storm that hit the state in December and left some residents without power for up to two weeks.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs tell The Telegram & Gazette that the judge threw out three of the five claims brought by the plaintiffs, including simple negligence, breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

The judge let stand claims of gross negligence and unfair and deceptive trade or practices.

A Unitil spokesman said the company does not comment on pending litigation.

The company serves about 28,500 customers in Fitchburg, Lunenburg, Townsend and Ashby.