Paying Your Utility Bill in Richmond, Virginia: A Simple Guide

Paying your utilities bill is a necessary evil that comes around each month for every household and business in Richmond. While writing that check or clicking that payment button may not be the most exciting task, it must be done to keep your water flowing lights on, and air conditioned.

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities handles water, wastewater natural gas and streetlight services for residents and businesses within the city limits. They make paying your bill as simple and convenient as possible through several methods.

We’ll go over everything you need to know to pay your Richmond utility bill in this article, such as:

• How the billing process works
• Payment options
• Setting up autopay
• Reading your bill
• Understanding rates and fees
• Finding billing assistance
• Disputing charges
• Avoiding disconnection

How Utility Billing Works in Richmond

The City of Richmond bills on a monthly cycle for water, wastewater, natural gas, and streetlight services. Your billing date depends on your location within the city.

You have to pay your bill by the due date written on it, which is usually within 15 to 20 days of the billing date. Bills are mailed out around the 8th of every month.

If paying by mail, your payment must be received (not postmarked) by the due date to avoid penalties. If you don’t receive your bill, you are still responsible for payment by the due date.

Ways To Pay Your Richmond Utilities Bill

The City of Richmond offers several convenient payment options:

Pay Online

The easiest way to pay is through the online customer portal, which allows you to view your balance and make secure online payments anytime. You’ll need your account number to register. There is no fee to pay by eCheck, but a convenience fee applies for credit/debit card payments.

Pay by Phone

Call the Payment Center at 804-646-7000 and follow the prompts to make a payment by credit/debit card or eCheck. Have your account number handy. Again, eCheck payments have no fee while cards incur a convenience fee.

Pay by Mail

Detach the payment stub from your bill and mail with a check or money order to the payment address printed on the stub. Make sure it arrives by the due date.

Pay In Person

Take your bill to any of the walk-in payment locations around Richmond. They accept cash, check, or money order.

Pay atAuthorized Retailers

Select grocery stores and pharmacies in Richmond have been authorized to accept city utility payments in person. Bring your bill with you.

Set Up Autopay

Forget paying monthly by enrolling in automatic payments from your bank account. Payments are withdrawn on the due date. Log in online to get started.

Reading and Understanding Your Utility Bill

Your Richmond utility bill summarizes your account status, current charges, payments received, and amount due. Here are the key sections to review:

Account Summary

This shows your basic account details including service address, account number, and billing date. Check that all the information is accurate.

Billing Summary

This breakdown shows your previous balance, any payments received, new charges, adjustments, and total now due. Review this section each month to ensure the amounts look correct.

Usage History

Charts your usage for each utility service over the past 13 months so you can identify spikes and trends. This can help you spot leaks or other issues.

Messages

Important notices like payment confirmations, due date reminders, rate changes, and disconnection warnings will post here. Don’t overlook this section.

Service Details

Itemizes your monthly usage and charges for each utility service individually – water, wastewater, natural gas, streetlight, etc. Verify you were only billed for services you have.

Other Charges

Lists any additional fees, service charges, or account adjustments applied to your bill that billing cycle.

Utility Rates and Fees in Richmond

Understanding Richmond’s utility rates and various service fees can help you budget and avoid surprises on your bill. Here’s a quick primer:

Water and Sewer Rates

Water rates are tiered based on usage, from $3.33/CCF for the first 3 CCF to $7.71/CCF over 25 CC. Sewer rates are a flat $6.38/CCF. Rates are the same for residential and commercial accounts.

Natural Gas Rates

Gas rates vary by month based on market prices. The average residential rate is around $0.85/CCF. Commercial accounts pay a slightly higher rate per CCF.

Service Fees

Some common fees include late payment fees, disconnection/reconnection fees, meter test fees, and returned check fees. See the full list on the DPU website.

Taxes

Your utility services are subject to a 12% utility tax and 10% state sales tax in Richmond. These are included in the billing summary.

Finding Billing Assistance in Richmond

If you’re struggling to keep up with utility bills, Richmond offers programs that provide financial assistance:

• CARE – Offers billing discounts up to $12/month for qualifying lower-income households.

• ULAP – Helps with arranging payment plans and provides assistance up to $300/year for families in crisis.

• LIHEAP – Federal program provides help with energy bills, weatherization, and heating unit repair for low-income households.

Non-profit organizations like CARITAS and Salvation Army also have support available. Reach out for help if you need it!

Disputing Your Utility Charges

If you believe there is an error on your bill, you have the right to dispute the charges. Here is the process:

• Review your bill carefully and identify the amount in question.

• Contact the billing office as soon as possible to explain the issue.

• You must pay any undisputed amount by the due date to avoid disconnection.

• The disputed amount will be investigated. If billing error is confirmed, you will receive an adjusted bill and credit/refund.

• If you disagree with the outcome, you can submit a written appeal for further review.

Avoiding Disconnection of Service

If you fall behind on payments, the city can disconnect your utilities after proper notice. To avoid shut-offs:

• Pay the past due Amount in full

• Set up a payment plan if you can’t pay in full

• Apply for financial assistance if eligible

• Provide proof of serious illness if medically necessary

• Dispute any erroneous charges right away

• Call DPU immediately if you receive a disconnection notice

Keeping your utility account current is crucial for maintaining an uninterrupted supply of essential services. Hopefully this overview gives you a better understanding of the billing process and tools to manage your account responsibly. Reach out to the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities if any other questions come up!