Utility rate changes passed by Richmond City Council on May 13, 2019 go into effect with the first utility bills customers receive in July 2019.  Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Director Calvin Farr Jr. stated, “The effective and consistent delivery of quality natural gas, water, and stormwater utility services requires aggressive programs to protect methods of supply, and regular investments to replace and renew infrastructure to enhance service quality and service delivery.”  These rate increases are projected to cost the average customer approximately $6.00 more per month which equates to an approximate four percent increase. 

Here is a breakdown of the utility rates for natural gas, water, wastewater and stormwater rates, as approved:

NATURAL GAS
 3.50 percent increase in the fixed distribution and customer charges for all-natural gas customer classes.  The average residential customer who uses 70 Ccf will pay approximately $1.86 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 markup. 

WATER
A typical water customer using 6 Ccfs (1 Ccf = 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons) of water per month will see an increase of $1.41 on their overall water bill.   This includes monthly service charges and volumetric charge (amount used). 

WASTEWATER
A typical wastewater customer using 6 Ccfs (1 Ccf = 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons) of wastewater per month will see an increase of $2.39 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 four percent or $0.16 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 $2.23 per month 
• Tier 2 (1,001 - 2,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $4.10 per month 
• Tier 3 (2,001 – 3,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $6.67 per month
• Tier 4 (3,001 – 4,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay $9.51 per month
• Tier 5 (4,001 sq. ft. or more of impervious area) will pay $13.78 per month.

To assist customers with managing their utility bill, Richmond Gas Works and the Department of Public Utilities offer programs year-round.  Customers are encouraged to seek assistance before bills become unmanageable.  The Equal Monthly Payment Plan (EMPP) helps to avoid large seasonal fluctuations in the monthly utility bill.  More information about EMPP and other programs is available by calling (804) 6464646 or visiting www.RichmondGasWorks.com/residential/your-bill/.

Equal Monthly Payment Program (EMPP) 
Richmond Gas Works, in conjunction with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), offers this program which spreads payments evenly over 12 months, along with other convenient payment plans.  The EMPP works well because the annual customer natural gas charges is used to calculate an equal payment amount that spreads the cost over the entire year and allows customers to develop a monthly energy budget.  Call Richmond Gas Works’ Customer Care Center at (804) 646-4646 for more information.

MetroCare Heat Bill Pay Assistance 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 financial difficulty or other special hardship.  The application period coincides with the heating season and applications are accepted beginning Dec. 15 through April 30 each year.  Residents within Richmond Gas Works' service territory may apply for funds through MetroCare.  For more information, call (804) 646-4646.

FLOW
(For the Love Of Water) Bill Pay Assistance Program – FLOW is the name of DPU’s MetroCare water bill payment assistance program which 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. For more information, call (804) 646-4646.

FLOW Conservation Program
The FLOW Program has two components to assist DPU water customers (assistance and conservation). The water assistance portion of the program provides financial assistance to eligible customers who are homeowners for plumbing repairs and the replacement of water-inefficient appliances.  FLOW Conserve will repair plumbing and/or replace existing products with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) WaterSense labeled products to conserve water and reduce wasteful consumption. DPU has partnered with ProjectHomes to assist homeowners interested in this program by purchasing and installing energy-efficient appliances such as low-flow toilets and showerheads. For more information contact ProjectHomes at (804) 233-2827

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.   For more information, call (804) 646-4646.

DPU’s new E-Z Pay system also makes it easier and more convenient for customers to pay their bill online.  For more information log on to: www.RichmondGov.com/PublicUtilities/PayMyBill/index.aspx