Natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you think you smell natural gas,
leave the area immediately and call 911. For more information, visit
the Natural Gas Safety page.
Equal Monthly Payment Plan
The EMPP budget plans spreads your annual gas bill over
12 months. The estimated monthly payment is based on the
previous year's natural gas usage. Accounts are reviewed
and adjusted each year in August. Call (804)646-4646.
MetroCare Heat Program
The city-sanctioned program administered by partner agencies assists families and individuals experiencing special hardships or financial difficulties with their heating bills.
If your income falls below the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you are unemployed, or have a family crisis, apply at one of the following locations:
-
Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People (CAPUP)
1021 Oliver Hill Way
(804)788-0050
(9:30 a.m.- Noon and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
-
Department of Social Services
(804)646-1262 or 3-1-1
*The Department of Social Services DOES NOT serve as an intake agency for DPU MetroCare programs
UNLESS the DSS client already has a caseworker. Clients may not contact DSS directly, unless they already have a caseworker.
MetroCare Heat Assistance Program Application
The maximum amount of assistance is $500. For more information, call (804)646-4646.
Donations are also accepted. If you would like to donate to assist another family in need, please make your check out to "City of Richmond-DPU"
and in the memo section notate "MetroCare Heat Program".
All donations can be mailed to:
City of Richmond - DPU | MetroCare Program
ATTN: Nicole Street
730 E. Broad Street, 5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Special Payment Agreement Plans
If you're facing financial difficulty and need a special payment plan, call (804)646-4646.
Senior Assistance
The Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled program
is administered by the city's Finance Department. If you are eligible for this
program, you will be exempt from solid waste and recycling fees on your utility bill.
For more information, call (804)646-5700 or 311.
Senior Care Program
All seniors registered in the Department of Public Utilities Senior Care Program are eligible for the following benefits which apply to the primary residence in which the senior account holder resides:
- Winter Service Assurance - Any shut-off orders between Dec. 1 and March 31 are suspended.
- No senior late fees - Customers whose accounts are marked as seniors do not incur late fees.
- Security deposit waiver - Deposits are waived for transferring and restoring services for seniors.
- Weatherization kits - Kits containing energy saving items such as weather stripping and window covers are made available each fall.
- Third Party Notification - Seniors can designate a third party to receive a copy of their utility bill or to inquire about past due balances on their behalf.
For more information, call (804)646-4646.
Low Income Heating Energy Assistance
A fuel assistance program, Low Income Heating Energy Assistance, is administered
by the Department of Social Services, (804)646-7046. Many organizations such as
the United Way, Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, area churches, or Dominion
Virginia Power's Energy Share program may have fuel assistance programs.
MetroCare Water Assistance Program
The MetroCare Water Assistance Program was established to help certain eligible DPU residential customers. It assists customers
with paying their water utility bills and assists homeowners with conservation efforts. Approved applicants could receive a
credit adjustment toward billed water and wastewater charges or assistance with plumbing repairs and replacement of water inefficient appliances.
If your income falls below the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you are unemployed, or have a family crisis, you may be eligible for assistance.
You MUST make an appointment with the intake partnering agency and bring your paperwork to them or fill it out on site:
Program Information
You MUST make an appointment with an intake partnering agency and bring your paperwork to them or fill it out on site.
Official Intake Agency
- Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People (CAPUP)
1021 Oliver Hill Way
(804) 788-0050
The maximum amount of assistance is $500. For more information, call (804) 646-4646.
The MetroCare Water Assistance Program conservation component provides financial assistance to eligible customers
who are homeowners for plumbing repairs and the replacement of water-inefficient appliances with EPA WaterSense
products to conserve water and reduce wasteful consumption.
DPU has partnered with project:HOMES to assist homeowners interested in this program by purchasing and installing
energy-efficient appliances such as bathroom sink faucets, low-flow toilets, washing machines, irrigation systems
and others. project:HOMES will perform an audit of all eligible homeowners. This audit is the Department of Energy
approved method for improving water use efficiency.
project:HOMES
88 Carnation Street
Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 233-2827
Monday - Thursday | 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
MetroCare Water Conservation Program Rules and Regulations
Donations are also accepted. If you would like to donate to assist another family in need, please make your check out
to "City of Richmond-DPU" and in the memo section notate "MetroCare Water Program".
All donations can be mailed to:
City of Richmond - DPU | MetroCare Program
ATTN: Nicole Street
730 E. Broad Street, 5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Keeping Citizens Informed!