Richmond to cut its utility bill repayment plan length

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond will significantly reduce the maximum length of utility bill repayment plans this September.

Currently, gas and water utility customers of the city's Department of Public Utilities (DPU) who need extra time to catch up on their bills can establish "PromisePay" repayment plans with terms up to 36 months.

However, as of Sept. 1, new PromisePay customers will only be offered terms up to 12 months.

Any PromisePay plans set up before that date will be able to keep their established terms, even if they exceed 36 months.

"Customers needing longer repayment terms for significant past due balances are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity now," the city said in an Aug. 1 press release.

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Another change coming Sept. 1 is that customers in "good standing" will be given one opportunity to add an additional balance to their current PromisePay payment plan.

"These updates reflect an effort to streamline services ahead of the upcoming launch of DPU’s upgraded customer portal, designed to improve customer experience and account management," the city said in the release.

If you need additional financial help, the city said additional options can be found here.