City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities customers will see higher bills this month, as new utility rates approved by City Council have taken effect.

The average residential customer will pay about $11.25 more per month under the revised rates, which apply to natural gas, water, wastewater and stormwater services. The increases took effect July 1 and will appear on utility bills issued this month.

Natural gas customers will see a $3.31 increase in fixed distribution and customer charges. This does not include the purchased gas cost, which fluctuates and is passed through to customers without markup.

Water bills for customers using 6 Ccfs (hundred cubic feet) of water per month will rise by $2.36. Wastewater charges for the same usage will increase by $4.54. Both categories include a monthly service charge and a volumetric rate based on consumption.

Stormwater fees have also gone up, with the average residential customer paying $1.04 more per month. Charges are based on the amount of impervious surface on a property, such as rooftops, driveways and patios. Monthly rates now range from $3.80 for homes with 1,000 square feet or less of impervious surface to $23.38 for properties with more than 4,000 square feet.

Alongside the rate changes, DPU has eliminated convenience fees for credit card and ACH payments. The update, which took effect June 30, means customers using online platforms such as MyHQ, EZ-Pay or PromisePay will no longer pay additional processing fees. Payment limits were also increased, from $500 to $100,000 for ACH transactions.

DPU officials said the adjustments are part of efforts to improve customer service, support infrastructure needs, and maintain affordability.

Several assistance programs remain available for customers facing financial hardship. The department’s partnership with PromisePay offers flexible payment plans for overdue balances at richmond.promise-pay.com. The MetroCare Water and Heat Programs provide up to $500 in assistance to qualifying applicants for water or heating bills. Additional help is available through the MetroCare Water Conservation Program, which supports plumbing repairs and appliance upgrades for eligible homeowners.

Seniors 65 and older can enroll in the SeniorCare Program for benefits such as waived security deposits, no late fees, and winter service assurance.

Customers may also opt into the Equal Monthly Payment Plan, which spreads natural gas bills evenly over 12 months based on past usage.

More information is available at rva.gov.