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Why Is My Natural Gas Bill So High?

Many Richmond residents are seeing higher natural gas bills this winter, and the primary reason is the extreme cold we experienced across the region.

Record Low Temperatures Drive Higher Usage

During periods of record low temperatures, natural gas systems work harder—and longer—to keep homes warm. When outdoor temperatures drop well below normal, heating systems cycle more frequently and use more energy to maintain safe and comfortable indoor temperatures.

Even small changes in thermostat settings can lead to significant increases in usage during extreme cold. The colder it is outside, the more natural gas is required to heat your home, especially overnight when temperatures remain low for extended periods.

Rising Natural Gas Prices and Market Conditions

In addition to increased usage, natural gas prices fluctuate based on market conditions, including storms, weather variations, and supply and demand. By federal law, the wholesale price of natural gas is unregulated and can rise or fall with market conditions.

A key part of your natural gas bill is the Purchased Gas Cost (PGC), which reflects the actual cost of the natural gas purchased and delivered to customers. By law, gas utilities must pass this cost on to customers dollar for dollar, without markup or profit.

How the Purchased Gas Cost Affects Your Bill

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities charges customers monthly for natural gas service. The PGC is adjusted monthly to better reflect actual market conditions and fuel costs.

Other components of the natural gas bill include:

A monthly service charge, and

A volumetric charge based on usage

These charges are fixed rates set annually each July. Current natural gas rates are available on rva.gov/public-utilities.

When higher market prices occur at the same time as increased usage during extreme cold, customers may see noticeable increases in their bills.

Longer Cold Stretches Add Up

This winter has included multiple consecutive days of sustained cold. Unlike brief cold snaps, prolonged low temperatures prevent homes from retaining heat, causing furnaces to run almost continuously. That extended runtime directly impacts monthly natural gas usage—and ultimately, your bill.

Homes Respond Differently to Extreme Cold

Several factors can influence how much natural gas a home uses during cold weather, including:

Home size and age

Insulation quality

Window and door sealing

Heating system efficiency

Thermostat settings and occupancy patterns

Homes with older systems or limited insulation may see larger increases during extreme weather events.

What You Can Do

While weather conditions are outside anyone’s control, there are steps customers can take to help manage usage during cold periods:

Lower your thermostat by a few degrees when possible

Seal drafts around windows and doors

Use programmable or smart thermostat settings

Keep vents and returns clear for efficient airflow

These small changes can help reduce usage, especially during extended cold weather.

Help Managing Seasonal Bill Changes

Customers who experience difficulty paying their natural gas bill are encouraged to seek help before bills become unmanageable. DPU offers information and assistance programs year-round to support customers facing financial challenges.

One option is enrolling in the Equal Monthly Payment Plan (EMPP). EMPP helps reduce seasonal bill fluctuations by creating equal monthly payments based on a customer’s total annual usage. This program can make household energy costs more predictable and help customers develop a monthly energy budget.

Customers who need additional support may also be eligible for the MetroCare Heat Program, a heating bill assistance program that provides funds to qualifying households experiencing financial difficulty or other special hardship. Residents within the DPU gas service territory may apply for assistance through MetroCare.

Looking Ahead

As temperatures return closer to seasonal norms, natural gas usage typically decreases. Understanding how extreme weather affects energy use can help customers plan ahead and avoid surprises during future cold snaps.

For more information about billing or payment assistance, visit rva.gov/public-utilities or contact Customer Service at 804-646-4646.

Make sure your pipes are ready for the winter!

When temperatures drop below 32°F, water inside your pipes can freeze and lead to significant damage. If a pipe has burst or you cannot locate the frozen area, call a licensed plumber immediately. When water freezes, it expands. This pressure can burst pipes, leading to flooding, water damage and temporary loss of service. Outdoor pipes, unheated basements, crawl spaces and garages are especially vulnerable.

Weather under 32°F? Follow the tips below to act before and during low temperatures to protect your water pipes:

- Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold weather to keep water moving.

- Let warm air circulate by opening cabinet doors under sinks.

- When away from home, set thermostat to no lower than 55° F.

- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas.

- Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets.

- Seal cracks and openings around pipes entering your home.

Abrupt weather changes also increase water main breaks due to pipes expanding and contracting, with the frozen ground adding extra pressure, especially on older cast iron pipes. Water main breaks can be reported 24/7 by calling 804-646-4646, then pressing option 1.

To read more on the causes of water main breaks click here.

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities Projects Earn 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards

RICHMOND, Va. — The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU), in partnership with TY Lin, has been recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Metropolitan Washington (ACEC/MW) with 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards for two major infrastructure projects: Mayo Island Park Design and Chimborazo Drop Shaft & Sewer Replacement.

The Mayo Island Park Design project supports the City’s vision for revitalized public park spaces. The Chimborazo Drop Shaft & Sewer Replacement project strengthens critical wastewater infrastructure and enhances system reliability that protects the James River and public health.
The awards were presented during the ACEC/MW 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards ceremony on Dec. 16, 2025, honoring projects that demonstrate exceptional engineering achievement, innovation and collaboration.

Scott Morris, Director of the Department of Public Utilities remarks, “These projects show how engineering excellence translates into real world benefits for our community. These projects not only strengthen essential infrastructure systems, but also enhance the spaces Richmond residents use every day”
“These awards reflect the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of the teams working to improve Richmond’s infrastructure,” said Laura Bendernagel, Deputy Director, Senior, Engineering Services. “Both projects required thoughtful planning, technical expertise and close coordination, and we are proud to see that work recognized at the regional level.”

DPU extends its appreciation to TY Lin for its service and collaboration throughout the design and delivery of both projects. The Department also recognizes City of Richmond
DPU Project Managers Susan Hamilton and Howard Glenn, along with the broader DPU project team, for their leadership and commitment to excellence.
The City of Richmond DPU remains committed to delivering high-quality, resilient infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental stewardship and quality of life for Richmond residents.

About the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities provides natural gas, water, wastewater, stormwater and streetlight services to more than 500,000 customers in the Richmond metropolitan area. DPU is committed to safety, reliability and innovation in delivering essential utility services that support the city’s residents, businesses and environment.

Traffic Advisory - Lane Closure – 300 - 500 blocks of Tredegar Street

WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (https://twitter.com/DPUStreetNews)

WHAT: Hollywood Interceptor Sanitary Sewer Bypass Work

WHEN: Monday, November 17 through February 2026, weather permitting from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm each day.

WHERE: 300 – 500 blocks of Tredegar Street

PROJECT SCOPE: Wastewater Improvements

PROJECT IMPACTS: Starting Monday, November 17, crews began preparing traffic for wastewater improvements and repairs at the 300 - 500 blocks of Tredegar Street. The repair work will commence once this week and will take place from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm through February 2026. Traffic control measures will be in place as an eastbound lane closure has been implemented between Brown’s Island Way and S. 5th Street and will remain until the project is fully complete.

Access will be provided throughout the work zone in the westbound lane only. Pedestrian access between Brown’s Island and the Belle Island Parking Lot will be provided as well as access to the American Civil War Museum. The James River boat ramp will remain open for emergency access only. This project is expected to be completed in three months, weather permitting and barring any other unforeseen circumstances.

For these and other utility related street closures follow us on Twitter @DPUStreetNews. For the most up to date information on utility work impacts in their area, citizens are encouraged to sign up for CivicReady to receive alerts.

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities Temporarily Pauses Disconnections and Late Fees to Help with the Impacts of Federal Shutdown and LIHEAP Pause

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has announced a temporary pause on disconnections of gas and water services for nonpayment and a suspension of all late fees for the month of November. This proactive measure is being implemented to help ease the financial burden on residents impacted by the ongoing impacts of the federal government shutdown.

The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps many households cover heating costs – including natural gas, is currently paused due to the shutdown. This interruption in funding has created financial uncertainty for customers who rely on the program during the colder months.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) continues to accept applications for LIHEAP to prepare for when the program resumes. Residents are encouraged to apply before the Friday, November 14 deadline to ensure timely review once funding is reinstated. Review and approvals will occur when the temporary pause is lifted. During the 2024 heating season, LIHEAP funding assisted 1,227 DPU natural gas customers for a total of $550,757.

Customers are also encouraged to take advantage of other permanent affordability programs, including: 

PromisePay Payment Plans – DPU has teamed up with PromisePay to offer flexible and convenient payment plans for customers who have fallen behind on their utility bills. Any customer with an overdue balance can sign up for a PromisePay payment plan for their outstanding balance at Richmond.promise-pay.com. The PromisePay portal allows users to choose from a range of payment plan options, set up automatic payments and provide contact information for payment reminders and other account notifications via text message. 
MetroCare Water Program – The water bill payment assistance program offers financial support to eligible families and individuals who are struggling to pay their primary water bills due to financial difficulties. To apply, ratepayers can receive up to $500 per applicant if approved. 
MetroCare Heat Program – The Heating Bill Payment Assistance Program provides funds to eligible families and individuals who are struggling to pay their primary heating bills due to financial difficulties or other special hardships. The program period begins on December 15th. Residents within Richmond Gas Works' service territory may apply for funds through MetroCare.
MetroCare Water Conservation Program – This program offers financial assistance to eligible homeowners for plumbing repairs and the replacement of water-inefficient appliances with EPA WaterSense products in order to conserve water and reduce wasteful consumption. The program includes an audit of all eligible homeowners approved by the Department of Energy as a way to improve water use efficiency. 
SeniorCare Program – This program is designed to meet the specific needs of seniors aged 65 and above in the Richmond metropolitan community. Seniors can enroll in this program and access benefits such as Winter Service Assurance, no late fees, waiver of security deposit, 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.

“DPU recognizes that many of our customers are affected by this disruption and may be facing financial hardship,” said Scott Morris, Senior Director of Public Utilities. “Our goal is to provide support and stability for our community while federal funding processes are temporarily on hold.”

For more information, call (804) 646-4646 or visit rva.gov/public-utilities/billing and follow Richmond DPU on social media at @RichmondDPU.