Utility Providers in Richmond, CA

In Richmond, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is a “super-utility.” Your monthly statement combines Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, and Trash/Recycling. While it’s convenient to have only one login, the total amount can be a surprise since it covers almost every essential home service in one shot.

In historic neighborhoods with rear alleys (such as The Fan, Museum District, or Northside), your green Supercan and recycling cart must be placed directly along the alley easement rather than the front street curb. Carts must be set out after 4:00 PM the day before collection and returned to your property by 7:00 AM the day after pickup to avoid a municipal code citation.

Yes, but Richmonders are picky about it. The water is sourced from the James River and treated at a world-class facility, but because of the city’s historic plumbing, some residents in older homes notice a slight mineral taste. You’ll see a lot of “Brita culture” in the city, but the tap water is strictly tested and safe.

The Richmond DPU is famously busy. If you need to call them to set up service, do it as early as possible, ideally right when they open at 8:00 a.m. Better yet, use the RVA311 app or website to submit service requests; it’s much faster than waiting on hold.

Richmond is strict about “Wish-cycling.” If you have a mountain of cardboard, you must flatten it and ensure it fits inside your blue bin. If you leave a stack of boxes on the curb or in the alley, the automated trucks will often bypass them. For a massive move-out, we recommend taking your cardboard to the East End or Northside Transfer Stations.

Yes! While you can’t choose a different provider, you can enroll in Dominion’s “Green Power” program. You can choose to match 100% of your usage with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for a small additional monthly fee, which is a popular move for RVA residents looking to lower their carbon footprint.

If your new street is lined with massive sycamores or oaks, you’ll love the Leaf Collection Program. From November through February, the city runs vacuum trucks. You just rake your leaves to the curb (not the street!) and they’ll be sucked away. Check the RVA311 map for your specific “Phase” dates so you don’t miss the window.

Richmond Gas Works is an enterprise division owned and operated directly by the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities. It has served the region for over 170 years and operates under the authority of the Richmond City Council rather than the Virginia State Corporation Commission.