Utility rate changes passed by Richmond City Council on May 8, 2023 go into effect with the first utility bills customers receive in July 2023. 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 $8.70 more per month. Here is a breakdown of the utility rates for natural gas, water, wastewater and stormwater rates, as approved:

NATURAL GAS        
3.3 percent increase in the fixed distribution and customer charges for all natural gas customer classes. The average residential customer will pay approximately $2.24 more per month for these fixed costs. The purchased gas cost (PGC), are not included in this proposal as it is passed on dollar for dollar to the customer, without any mark up. 

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 $1.55 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 $4.40 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.  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 $0.51 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 $2.92 per month
• Tier 2   (1,001 - 2,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $5.36 per month
• Tier 3   (2,001 – 3,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $8.71 per month
• Tier 4   (3,001 – 4,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $12.42 per month
• Tier 5   (4,001 sq. ft. or more of impervious area) will pay $18.01 per month

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
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 www.rva.gov/public-utilities.  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 recently partnered 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.  

• LIHWAP – Qualified customers who are behind on their water bills are encouraged to apply to the federally-funded Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This temporary funding program is being administered through the Virginia Department of Social Services in partnership with PromisePay. Households eligible for LIHWAP assistance must have a past due water/wastewater balance and a gross household income below 150% of the federal poverty level based on household size. Eligible households must apply by visiting www.virginialihwap.com or calling 888-373-9908. Customers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as LIHWAP funding will end once funds are depleted, or September 30 – whichever comes first.
• 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.