Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities announces utility rate changes passed by the Richmond City Council, which will be in effect with the first utility bills customers receive in July 2025. These rate increases are projected to cost the average customer approximately $11.25 more per month.

In an effort to make bill payment easier, more accessible and affordable for everyone and as part of our commitment to affordability and improved customer service, DPU has eliminated the convenience fee for credit card and ACH payments (effective June 30, 2025). This can amount to cost savings of varying degrees, depending on how often customers make payments through MyHQ, EZ-Pay or PromisePay. Also, the single payment limit for credit cards has increased from $500 to $1,000 and $500 to $100,000 for ACH payments.  

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 $3.31 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 markup. 

WATER
A typical water customer using 6 Ccfs (1 Ccf = 100 cubic feet or 7.48 gallons) of water per month will see an increase of $2.36 on their overall water bill. This includes a monthly service charge and a volumetric charge (amount used).

WASTEWATER
A typical wastewater customer using 6 Ccfs (1 Ccf = 100 cubic feet or 7.48 gallons) of wastewater per month will see an increase of $4.54 on their overall wastewater bill. This includes a monthly service charge and a 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 $1.04 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 $3.80 per month
• Tier 2  (1,001 - 2,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $6.99 per month
• Tier 3  (2,001 – 3,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $11.30 per month
• Tier 4  (3,001 – 4,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $16.12 per month
• Tier 5  (4,001 sq. ft. or more of impervious area) will pay $23.38 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 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 partners 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 the natural gas utility’s 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.

Las nuevas tarifas de servicios públicos entrarán en vigor el 1 de julio de 2025 para los clientes del Departamento de Servicios Públicos de la Ciudad de Richmond

Se eliminan las tarifas de conveniencia

Richmond, Virginia - El Departamento de Servicios Públicos de la Ciudad de Richmond anuncia los cambios en las tarifas de servicios públicos aprobados por el Concejo Municipal de Richmond, que entrarán en vigor con las primeras facturas de servicios públicos que reciban los clientes en julio de 2025. Se proyecta que estos aumentos de tarifas le costarán al cliente promedio aproximadamente $11.25 más por mes.

En un esfuerzo por hacer que el pago de facturas sea más fácil, accesible y asequible para todos, y como parte de nuestro compromiso con la asequibilidad y un mejor servicio al cliente, el Departamento de Servicios Públicos (DPU) ha eliminado la tarifa de conveniencia para pagos con tarjeta de crédito y transferencia electrónica (ACH) (a partir del 30 de junio de 2025). Esto puede representar un ahorro, cuyo monto depende de la frecuencia con la que los clientes realicen pagos a través de MyHQ, EZ-Pay o PromisePay. Además, el límite de pago único para tarjetas de crédito ha aumentado de $500 a $1,000 y de $500 a $100,000 para pagos por transferencia electrónica.  

Aquí hay un desglose de las tarifas de servicios públicos para gas natural, acueducto, alcantarillado de aguas residuales y aguas lluvias, según lo aprobado:

GAS NATURAL
El cliente residencial promedio pagará mensualmente aproximadamente $3.31 más por cargos fijos de distribución y otros costos adicionales. Los costos de adquisición del gas (PGC) no están incluidos en esta propuesta, ya que se transfieren dólar por dólar al cliente, sin ningún recargo. 

ACUEDUCTO
Un cliente típico del servicio que consume mensualmente 6 Ccfs (1 Ccf = 100 pies cúbicos o 7.48 galones) de agua, verá un aumento de $2.36 en su factura total de acueducto. Esto incluye un cargo mensual por el servicio y un cargo volumétrico (por la cantidad utilizada).

ALCANTARILLADO DE AGUAS RESIDUALES

Un cliente típico del servicio que produce mensualmente 6 Ccfs (1 Ccf = 100 pies cúbicos o 7.48 galones) de aguas residuales, verá un aumento de $4.54 en su factura general de alcantarillado de aguas residuales. Esto incluye un cargo mensual por el servicio y un cargo volumétrico (por la cantidad generada).

ALCANTARILLADO DE AGUAS LLUVIAS

Las tarifas de este servicio se basan en la cantidad de área impermeable (superficies que no pueden absorber agua o que el agua no puede atravesar) dentro de una propiedad. Los techos, pasillos, entradas y cubiertas de grava o asfalto se clasifican como áreas impermeables.

Los habitantes de viviendas unifamiliares pagan una tarifa plana de alcantarillado de aguas lluvias en función de la cantidad de área impermeable que contiene una propiedad. Los clientes residenciales típicos verán un aumento de $1.04 en su factura mensual. Vea a continuación las áreas y las tarifas asociadas con el nivel residencial unifamiliar:

• El nivel 1 (1000 pies cuadrados o menos de área impermeable) pagará $ 3.80 al mes
• El nivel 2 (1001 - 2000 pies cuadrados de área impermeable) pagará $ 6.99 al mes
• El nivel 3 (2001 – 3000 pies cuadrados de área impermeable) pagará $11.30 al mes
• El Nivel 4 (3001 – 4000 pies cuadrados de área impermeable) pagará $16.12 al mes
• El Nivel 5 (4001 pies cuadrados o más de área impermeable) pagará $23.38 al mes

El Departamento de Servicios Públicos (DPU) mantiene su compromiso de proporcionar un servicio público seguro y confiable, al tiempo que crea un valor excepcional. Si se ha atrasado en sus pagos de servicios públicos, ¡En el DPU estamos para ayudarle!  Toda la información y los detalles de las solicitudes para todos los programas vigentes se pueden encontrar en nuestra página de Internet: rva.gov/public-utilities/billing.  Si necesita hablar con un agente en vivo sobre cualquier servicio de sus cuentas, llámenos hoy mismo al (804) 646-4646 para obtener ayuda.

• Planes de pago de PromisePay: DPU se asocia con PromisePay para ofrecer planes de pago flexibles y convenientes para los clientes que están atrasados en el pago de sus facturas de servicios públicos. Todos los clientes con un saldo vencido pueden inscribirse en un plan de pago de PromisePay para su saldo pendiente en Richmond.promise-pay.com. El portal PromisePay ofrece a los usuarios la oportunidad de seleccionar una variedad de opciones de planes de pago, configurar pagos automáticos y proporcionar información de contacto para recordatorios de pago y otras notificaciones de sus cuentas a través de mensajes de texto.  

• Programa de acueducto de MetroCare: este programa de asistencia para el pago de facturas de acueducto proporciona fondos a familias e individuos elegibles que tienen dificultades para pagar sus facturas de acueducto principales debido a problemas económicos. Hay un proceso de solicitud y si esta es aprobada, los contribuyentes pueden recibir hasta $500 por solicitante.    

• Programa de calefacción de MetroCare: este programa de asistencia para el pago de facturas de calefacción proporciona fondos a familias e individuos elegibles que tienen problemas para pagar sus facturas de calefacción principales debido a una dificultad económica u otra dificultad especial. El período del programa comienza el 15 de diciembre. Las personas que viven dentro del territorio de servicio de la empresa de gas natural pueden solicitar fondos a través de MetroCare.

• Programa de Conservación de Agua de MetroCare : Este programa brinda asistencia financiera a los clientes propietarios de viviendas elegibles para pagar reparaciones de plomería y reemplazar electrodomésticos que consumen agua en exceso con productos con la certificación WaterSense de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) para conservar el agua y reducir el consumo excesivo. Este programa incluye una auditoría aprobada por el Departamento de Energía para todos los propietarios de viviendas elegibles como un método para mejorar la eficiencia en el uso del agua.     

• Programa de Cuidado de Personas Mayores: este programa atiende las necesidades particulares de las personas mayores de 65 años en el área metropolitana de Richmond. Los adultos mayores que son clientes nuestros pueden inscribirse en este programa y aprovechar la garantía de servicio durante el invierno, la eliminación de cargos por pagos atrasados, el programa de exención de depósito de seguridad, los obsequios anuales de kits de aislamiento de viviendas y la notificación a terceros.

• Plan de pago mensual igualitario (EMPP): el plan presupuestario EMPP distribuye su factura anual de gas a lo largo de 12 pagos mensuales iguales. El pago mensual estimado se basa en el consumo de gas natural del año anterior.

Richmond, VA - Today, Mayor Danny Avula, Richmond City Council, and Henrico Board of Supervisors met for a joint meeting to discuss building a more resilient water distribution system for the region. The meeting followed Mayor Avula's recent invitation to regional partners to join together in conversations about the future of the region's drinking water system.

President Cynthia Newbille, Richmond City Council President, and Roscoe D. Cooper, III, Henrico County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair, presided over the meeting. Scott Morris, Director of Public Utilities for the City of Richmond, and Bentley Chan, his counterpart in Henrico County, provided an overview of the current status and key challenges facing each locality's drinking water system.

"Today we came together across jurisdictional lines to begin an overdue conversation about how we can tackle one of the most urgent challenges ahead of us as a city and a region. I appreciate the willingness of both Richmond City Council and Henrico Board of Supervisors to have this initial conversation," said Mayor Danny Avula. "This is how progress towards a safe, resilient and redundant water system begins."

The meeting was live-streamed. A recording is available on the City of Richmond's YouTube page. Presentations from Director Morris and Director Chan are available on Richmond's City Council meeting details site. City Council indicated that they would meet July 7th to continue discussions.

The City of Richmond is pleased to announce that S&P Global Ratings has affirmed strong credit ratings for several of the City’s financial obligations. These include an AA rating with a stable outlook for Public Utilities bond issuances, an AA+ rating with a stable outlook for the City’s general obligation bonds, and an AA rating with a stable outlook for the Economic Development Authority.

These ratings reflect a high level of creditworthiness and affirm the City’s strong financial management practices. They also position Richmond to access capital markets at favorable interest rates, which allows the city continued investment in infrastructure, public services, and long-term community development.

While S&P revised its outlook for the City from positive to stable, this change reflects broader economic uncertainties rather than any specific concerns with Richmond’s fiscal health.

“We are pleased to receive these ratings from S&P Global,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “They highlight the City’s responsible financial stewardship and our commitment to maintaining a resilient and efficient utility system for all Richmonders.”

These ratings come at a critical time as the City continues to advance key priorities, including sustainable energy initiatives, upgrades to the water and wastewater systems, and the adoption of innovative technologies to enhance service reliability and environmental sustainability.

Richmond’s strong credit standing is a testament to its sound fiscal policies, effective leadership, and ongoing commitment to delivering dependable, high-quality services to residents and businesses alike.

To read the full report, please visit www.spglobal.com/ratingsdirect.

The City of Richmond is pleased to announce that the Department of Finance has started mailing real estate rebate checks to eligible residents that owned property in 2024. All checks will be in the mail by June 30, 2025. City residents should note that:

• Checks will be mailed to the address on file with the City’s Department of Finance.
• Residents that qualify do not need to take any additional action.
• Most recipients can expect to receive their checks by early July, depending on postal delivery times.

Additionally, the City is advising property owners that rebate checks with payee names exceeding 35 characters may require additional processing at some financial institutions. While this character limitation is standard with many check-printing systems, the City is proactively informing residents that some checks may need reprocessing.

Property owners with questions about their eligibility, who need to update their mailing address, or have issues cashing their checks should contact RVA311 by dialing 3-1-1 within the city limits or submitting a ticket online at rva311.com.

Previously, the city announced that incorrect checks were mailed out that listed “Hartshorn Community Council” as the payee. This caused a delay in mailing the remainder of the rebate checks as data were verified.

The rebate, approved by City Council in 2024, aims to provide financial relief amid rising property values and housing costs.

RICHMOND, VA - Earlier this week, the Office of the City Auditor (OCA) released findings from a comprehensive audit of the City of Richmond's purchasing card (p-card) program. The audit includes a review of the program and employee card usage, both of which lacked internal controls-such as employees submitting transactions with missing and insufficient documentation, approver capacity overload, and inconsistent policy enforcement, among others-which allowed for purchasing and payment to be misaligned with program goals.

The report also includes a number of recommendations, several of which are already completed or in progress. These recommendations include steps such as:

• A relaunch of the p-card program that incorporates audit findings and establishes strong foundational controls.

• Rewrite and strengthen program policies and guidelines to align with industry best practices

• Strengthening approver oversight

• Restructure roles and responsibilities to avoid "excessive concentration of duties"

• Improve data-driven monitoring of purchasing activities

• Seek to prohibit the use of third-party pay applications such as Venmo and PayPal.

The full audit report, complete with recommendations from the City Auditor, is available on the City Auditor's website at https://rva.gov/office-city-auditor/reports-issued/

For the latest information on the City's progress in overhauling its p-card program, please visit the p-card progress tracker.

About OCA

The OCA is an independent office organized under the Richmond City Council which is charged with strengthening transparency and accountability in local government through independent, impactful audits that enhance public trust and improve City operations.

Audits from OCA evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of City programs and services and offer recommendations to improve performance, safeguard public resources, and promote sound governance.