Water, utility rates in Richmond have officially gone up. How much more will you pay?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As of Tuesday, prices have gone up for Richmond residents who get their water, natural gas and other utilities from the city.

Several utility rate increases across the city's Department of Utilities (DPU) are effective Tuesday, July 1 following an act of Richmond City Council. This includes city-provided natural gas, water, wastewater and stormwater.

"These rate increases are projected to cost the average customer approximately $11.25 more per month," the city said in a press release.

City officials further broke down the price increases as follows:

• Natural Gas
  • Average customer will pay about $3.31 more per month
  • Purchased gas costs not included -- that cost is passed on dollar-for-dollar to customers
• Water
  • Customers who use about 45 gallons per month will pay about $2.26 more monthly
  • Monthly service and volumetric (amount used) charges included
• Wastewater
  • Customers who use about 45 gallons per month will pay about $4.54 more monthly
  • Monthly service and volumetric (amount used) charges included
• Stormwater
  • Average customer will pay about $1.04 more monthly
  • Rates are determined on a tiered scale based on the amount of "impervious area," or surface that cannot absorb water or let it pass through. That scale is as follows:
    • 1,000 square feet or less of impervious area: $3.80 a month
    • 1,001 to 2,000 square feet of impervious area: $6.99 a month
    • 3,001 to 4,000 square feet of impervious area: $11.30 a month
    • 4,001 square feet of impervious area: $23.38 a month

However, while overall utility rates may be going up, those who pay their bills through credit card or ACH payments will no longer have to pay a convenience fee. The city said the exact cost savings per customer will vary depending on how often they use methods like MyHQ, EZ-Pay or PromisePay.

Single-payment limits have also been increased for both methods, rising from $500 to $1,000 for credit card payments and from $500 to $100,000 for ACH payments.

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"DPU remains committed to providing safe and reliable utility service while creating exceptional value," the city said. "If you have fallen behind on your utility payments, DPU is here to help!"

You can learn more about all of Richmond's active bill repayment assistance programs here. You can also call DPU at 804-646-4646 to discuss your options.