Utility Providers in Richmond, IL

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.

If you’re moving into a historic district, look behind your house! Unlike the suburbs where you roll bins to the street, most Richmond “city” neighborhoods use the alleys.

Pro tip: Make sure your house number is clearly painted on your bins; otherwise, they tend to “wander” during heavy rain or wind.

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.