Richmond, VA – According to the statement, utility rate changes passed by the Richmond City Council on May 13, 2024, went into effect with the first utility bills customers received in July 2024. 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 were projected to cost the average customer approximately $7.93 more per month. Here is a breakdown of the utility rates for natural gas, water, wastewater, and stormwater rates, as approved:
Natural Gas
The average residential customer was expected to pay approximately $2.96 more per month for fixed distribution and customer charges. The purchased gas costs (PGC) were not included in this proposal as they were passed on dollar for dollar to the customer, without any markup and adjusted on a monthly basis as warranted by market conditions.
Water
A typical water customer using 6 CCFs (1 CCF = 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons) of water per month saw an increase of $0.82 on their overall water bill. This included a monthly service charge 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 saw an increase of $3.59 on their overall wastewater bill. This included a monthly service charge and volumetric charge (amount used).
Stormwater
Stormwater utility rates were 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 were all categorized as impervious areas. Effective July 1, 2024, updated data was used to calculate the impervious surface area for each property.
