Richmond DPU suspends late fees, pauses disconnections due to government shutdown

Nov 12, 2025 - 21:25

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Richmond DPU suspends late fees, pauses disconnections due to government shutdown

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmonders who are behind on their gas and water bills will not have to pay late fees or potentially lose their service for nonpayment during the month of November. City officials say this grace period is meant to help residents cope with the federal government shutdown.

On Wednesday. Nov. 12, the city announced that, for the month of November, its Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has temporarily suspended all late fees and paused disconnections of gas and water services for nonpayment.

Per a press release from the city, this is being done to "ease the financial burden on residents impacted by the ongoing impacts of the federal government shutdown," which has officially broken the record for the longest government shutdown in American history.

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Though its impacts are vast, Richmond officials say that the shutdown has directly impacted an essential service that helps lower-income Americans keep their homes warm as temperatures drop. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) -- a federal program that helps many cover their heating costs -- is one of many programs that are paused due to the shutdown.

Across the 2024 heating season, more than 1,200 of Richmond DPU's natural gas customers received heating assistance through LIHEAP. They received a combined total of $550,757.

"DPU recognizes that many of our customers are affected by this disruption and may be facing financial hardship,” said Scott Morris, senior director of the Richmond DPU, in the release. “Our goal is to provide support and stability for our community while federal funding processes are temporarily on hold.”

Even though LIHEAP is paused, applications for this heating assistance are still being accepted by Virginia's Department of Social Services (DSS). While applications will not be reviewed or approved until the temporary pause is lifted, city officials encourage residents who need this financial help to apply before the deadline on Friday, Nov. 14, to ensure their request can be addressed promptly.

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Richmond residents have several other permanent affordability programs available to them. These include:

PromisePay Payment Plans: These are flexible payment plans available to Richmond DPU customers who are behind on their utility bills. You can sign up for these plans online.
Equal Monthly Payment Plan: This budget plan spreads eligible ratepayers' annual gas bills over 12 months.
MetroCare Water Program: This is a water bill payment assistance program that provides up to $500 to eligible, approved ratepayers.
MetroCare Heat Program: This is a heating bill payment assistance program that provides up to $500 for eligible, approved ratepayers experiencing financial hardships. The program period will begin on Dec. 15.
MetroCare Water Conservation Program: This plumbing program helps eligible homeowners either repair or replace water-inefficient appliances with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense products, helping to conserve water and reduce waste.
Senior Care Program: This program provides a variety of support to Richmonders 65 years old and older, including Winter Service Assistance, no late fees, waiver of security deposit, annual weatherization kit giveaways and third-party notification.