City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities new utility rates are effective July 1, 2024 

Utility rate changes passed by Richmond City Council on May 13, 2024 go into effect with the first utility bills customers receive in July 2024. Department of Public Utilities (DPU) senior director April Bingham stated, “The effective and consistent delivery of quality gas and water services requires substantial programs to protect methods of supply, and regular investments for aging infrastructure to enhance service quality and service delivery. We are equally mindful of the financial hardships customers may be experiencing and invite them to explore assistance options outlined below by visiting RVA.gov/public-utilities.” 

These rate increases are projected to cost the average customer approximately $7.93 more per month. Here is a breakdown of the utility rates for natural gas, water, wastewater and stormwater rates, as approved:

NATURAL GAS          
The average residential customer will pay approximately $2.96 more per month for fixed distribution and customer charges. The purchased gas costs (PGC), are not included in this proposal as it is passed on dollar for dollar to the customer, without any mark up and adjusted on a monthly basis as warranted by market conditions. 

WATER
A typical water customer using 6 CCF’s (1 CCF = 100 cubic feet or 7.48 gallons) of water per month will see an increase of $0.82 on their overall water bill. This includes monthly service charge and volumetric charge (amount used).

WASTEWATER
A typical wastewater customer using 6 CCF’s (1 CCF = 100 cubic feet or 7.48 gallons) of wastewater per month will see an increase of $3.59 on their overall wastewater bill. This includes monthly service charge and volumetric charge (amount used) 

STORMWATER

Stormwater utility rates are based on the amount of impervious area (surfaces that cannot absorb water or that water cannot pass through) within a property. Roofs, walkways, gravel or asphalt driveways and decks are all categorized as impervious areas. Effective July 1, 2024 updated data is used to calculate the impervious surface area for each property. Property owners are invited to view that data at: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/290a82d6acf743f49a78d79b5f532e8f/

Single family residents pay a flat stormwater fee based on the amount of impervious area that a property contains. Typical residential customers will see a $0.56 increase in their monthly bill. See the size and fees associated with single family residential tier below:

• Tier 1   (1000 or less sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay a fee of $3.23 per month
• Tier 2   (1,001 - 2,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay a fee of $5.92 per month
• Tier 3   (2,001 – 3,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay a fee of $9.62 per month
• Tier 4   (3,001 – 4,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay a fee of $13.72 per month
• Tier 5   (4,001 sq. ft. or more of impervious area) will pay a fee of $19.90 per month
   

DPU remains committed to providing safe and reliable utility service while creating exceptional value. If you have fallen behind on your utility payments, DPU is here to help!  Full information and application details on all current programs can be found on our website at http://www.rva.gov/public-utilities/billing.  If you need to speak with a live agent about any account services, don’t delay, give us a call today at (804) 646-4646 for assistance.

• PromisePay Payment Plans – DPU’s partnership with PromisePay to bring flexible and convenient payment plans for customers who are behind on their utility bills. All customers with a past due balance may enroll in a PromisePay payment plan for their outstanding balance at Richmond.promise-pay.com. The PromisePay portal offers users the opportunity to select from a variety of payment plan options, set up automatic payments, and provide contact information for payment reminders and other account notifications through text messaging.  

• MetroCare Water Program – This water bill payment assistance program provides funds to eligible families and individuals who are having difficulty paying their primary water bills due to financial concerns. There is an application process and ratepayers can receive up to $500 per applicant if approved.       
   
• MetroCare Heat Program – This heating bill payment assistance program provides funds to eligible families and individuals who are having trouble paying their primary heating bills due to a financial difficulty or other special hardship. The program period begins December 15. Residents within Richmond Gas Works' service territory may apply for funds through MetroCare.
   
• MetroCare Water Conservation Program – This program provides financial assistance to eligible customers who are homeowners for plumbing repairs and the replacement of water-inefficient appliances with EPA WaterSense products to conserve water and reduce wasteful consumption. This program includes an audit approved by the Department of Energy for all eligible homeowners as a method for improving water use efficiency.           
   
• SeniorCare Program – This program caters to the unique needs of seniors 65 years of age and older in the Richmond metropolitan community. Senior customers can sign up for this program and take advantage of Winter Service Assurance, no late fees, security deposit waiver program, annual weatherization kit giveaways and third party notification.
   
• Equal Monthly Payment Plan – The EMPP budget plan spreads your annual gas bill over 12 months. The estimated monthly payment is based on the previous year's natural gas usage.