Utility bills are shifting in Richmond, and even small changes can add up over a year. If you’re budgeting a purchase, managing a rental, or prepping to sell, you need a clear picture of what’s changing and how it affects your monthly bottom line. In this guide, you’ll see what the City and Dominion have announced, how those updates flow into ownership costs, and simple ways to control your bills. Let’s dive in.
What changed in 2025 utilities
City of Richmond DPU updates
The City’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approved new rates effective July 1, 2025. The City estimates the average residential customer will pay about $11.25 more per month across natural gas, water, wastewater, and stormwater. At the same time, the City removed certain convenience fees for card and ACH payments. You can review the announcement in the City’s release on the 2025 changes. Read the City’s update.
For water and wastewater, DPU publishes the monthly service charge by meter size and the per‑Ccf volumetric rates. Using a typical example of 6 Ccf per month, the City illustrated an increase of about $2.36 for water and $4.54 for wastewater under the 2025 rates. Stormwater remains a tiered monthly charge based on impervious area for single‑family parcels. You can see current rate tables and stormwater tiers on the City’s site. Check the DPU rate page.
Dominion Energy electricity proposals
Dominion Energy Virginia filed a fuel‑factor change effective July 1, 2025, and requested base‑rate increases for 2026 and 2027. Company materials include illustrative monthly bill impacts for a typical residential customer. Combined, reporting on the filings suggests roughly $10 to $20 more per month over the 2025 to 2027 period depending on usage and what regulators approve. These are proposals and the State Corporation Commission (SCC) will set the final amounts. See Dominion’s filing summary and the SCC hearing notice.
Solid waste and stormwater notes
Richmond’s solid‑waste fee was reported moving to about $24.75 per month, and the City continues to offer bulk pickup and appliance services for a fee. Stormwater charges are tiered and appear on the DPU bill. For service details and current city programs, visit Public Works. Review solid‑waste services.
What this means for your monthly budget
Typical components of a Richmond bill
A homeowner in Richmond usually pays for electricity (Dominion), natural gas if served, water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste. Internet and other services are separate. For context, recent statewide residential electricity prices have averaged in the mid‑teens cents per kWh, which means usage is a big driver of your monthly total. See Virginia’s electricity price data.
A simple example of potential impact
If Dominion’s proposals are approved and the City’s 2025 rates are in place, a typical household could see several tens of dollars per month in added pressure across electricity plus municipal utilities. Actual changes depend on your kWh, gas usage, water consumption, meter size, and stormwater tier. Final electric rates will be set by the SCC, so check the Commission’s order for your timing. Track the SCC process.
Buyers and sellers: who pays what at closing
Most utility accounts are tied to the occupant, but Richmond’s DPU bill often bundles water, wastewater, stormwater, and sometimes gas on one statement. As part of closing, confirm that all accounts are current and request final readings. In Virginia, unpaid water and wastewater charges can become a lien on the property after required notices, so it is important to verify balances in writing. Review the applicable Virginia Code. For payment plans, equal payment options, and the City’s billing portal, start here: DPU billing and payment options.
How to blunt higher bills
Low‑cost efficiency steps
Focus first on easy, high‑return moves: switch to LED lighting, program your thermostat, seal drafts, add attic insulation, tune HVAC, and install WaterSense fixtures. These cut usage and reduce the bite of any per‑unit rate increases. If you qualify, local programs can also help with weatherization and crisis assistance. Explore Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare.
Solar, storage, and timing in 2025
If you are considering rooftop solar or a home battery, check Dominion’s current net‑metering guidance and interconnection steps before you sign a contract. Start with Dominion’s net‑metering page. Also note a key federal change: per IRS guidance, the Residential Clean Energy Credit for homeowners is not allowed for expenditures made after December 31, 2025. If you plan to claim it, installation must be completed by that date under the new law. Read the IRS FAQs.
Bill help and payment plans
If higher rates create a short‑term squeeze, look at programs that can bridge the gap. The City offers payment plans and customer protections through DPU, and Dominion’s EnergyShare partners provide assistance and weatherization for eligible customers. Start with the official program pages to see if you qualify: DPU billing and payment options and EnergyShare assistance.
Smart steps during a purchase or sale
- Ask for 12 months of actual bills for electricity and each DPU service to see real usage trends.
- Verify DPU meter size, stormwater tier, and any gas service at the address.
- Confirm account status in writing and ensure any balances are resolved before closing.
- If the property has an HOA or is tenant‑occupied, confirm which utilities are included and how increases are handled.
- Consider quick efficiency tune‑ups before listing; they can help comfort and operating costs for the next owner.
When you want local, practical guidance on budgeting utilities into your move in Richmond and the western suburbs, connect with a team that pairs clear advice with hands‑on service. If you’re planning a purchase, sale, or rental, reach out to Hank Cosby for a straightforward plan.
FAQs
How much will my Richmond utility bill change in 2025?
- The City estimates about $11.25 more per month on average for DPU services starting July 1, 2025, and Dominion’s proposed changes could add roughly $10 to $20 per month depending on usage and final SCC approval; review the City’s release and Dominion/SCC notices for specifics.
Are Dominion Energy’s electric rate increases final?
- No; they are proposals under review and the State Corporation Commission will determine the final customer impact and timing, so check the SCC docket for outcomes.
Can unpaid Richmond water or wastewater bills become a property lien?
- Yes; after required notices under Virginia law, delinquent water and wastewater charges can attach to the property, so verify account status and resolve any balances before closing.
Which utilities are on the City of Richmond bill?
- DPU commonly bills water, wastewater, stormwater, and natural gas (where served) on a single statement; electricity is billed by Dominion Energy on a separate account.
Are there programs to help with utility bills or usage?
- Yes; DPU offers payment options and protections, and Dominion’s EnergyShare provides assistance and weatherization for eligible customers; check each program’s requirements.
Can I still claim a federal tax credit for solar installed in 2025?
- Per IRS guidance, the Residential Clean Energy Credit for homeowners is not allowed for expenditures made after December 31, 2025, so installations must be completed by that date to qualify.
