Compare Utility Providers in Richmond, VA

Electric Providers in Richmond

Natural Gas Providers in Richmond

Top 9 Internet Providers in Richmond

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Water & Sewage Providers in Richmond

Top 8 Trash and Recycling Providers in Richmond

Utilities Summary for Richmond, VA

Electric Companies:	1
Natural Gas Companies:	1
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	8
Municipal Electricity:	Yes

From Power to Wi-Fi: Everything You Need to Know About Utilities in Richmond

Richmond is a lively city steeped in history and brimming with modern energy. Located along the scenic James River, it blends urban convenience with Southern charm. Government, finance, and law anchor the economy here, and Dominion Energy is proudly headquartered in the city . Whether you’re a craft beer fan exploring Scott’s Addition or commuting into downtown, you’ll find Richmond a welcoming place to call home.

Electricity

Richmond’s electricity is provided by Dominion Energy, one of the nation’s largest energy companies, with roots deeply planted in Virginia. Known for reliability, the utility draws power from nuclear, coal, and natural-gas plants.

Energy Rebates & Programs

• Home efficiency rebates: Rebates available for smart thermostats, insulation, ENERGY STAR appliances, and LED lighting via the Dominion marketplace.
• Peak Time Rebates Program: Earn $1.25 per kWh saved during peak hours (about 10 events a year) by reducing usage, ideal for shifting heavy loads off-peak.
• Water-energy rebate: Up to $400 back on ENERGY STAR heat-pump water heaters, and $300 on variable-speed pool pumps.

Dominion even offers a virtual energy audit and rewards for behavior changes, not just installations. They frequently run instant rebates at local retailers like Lowe’s, Habitat for Humanity, and Dollar Tree.

Natural Gas

Richmond Gas Works (RGW) is Richmond’s municipally owned gas utility and the third oldest gas utility in the U.S., operating since 1851. It serves the city proper and parts of Henrico and Chesterfield counties. As a public utility, RGW offers dependable, cost-based pricing, so you’re only paying for the gas you use, plus delivery, no markup.

Why Richmond Gas Works Rocks

• Affordable & efficient heating: The utility claims residential customers save around $874/year by using gas for heating, cooking, and drying versus electricity.
• Environmentally friendlier gas options: Natural gas emits fewer carbon emissions than oil or coal, and Richmond is exploring decarbonization plans to pivot toward cleaner energy.
• Safety-first approach: RGW abides by strict federal and state regulations, monitors thousands of miles of pipeline, and ensures rapid response to hazardous leaks.
• Service reliability: RGW handles everything from meter swaps to main extensions; typical service hook-up time is 3–5 days, or longer if new infrastructure is needed.

Things to Know When Signing Up

• Check if gas infrastructure already exists at your address, extensions can take up to 90–120 days.
• Homeowners can connect gas appliances like water heaters, fireplaces, fireplaces, ranges, dryers, or outdoor grills, always with technician oversight.

Water and Sewer

Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) handles drinking water and wastewater services, separate from gas and electric utilities. Drawing from the James River, the city’s water treatment plant can process up to 132 million gallons per day, serving roughly 500,000 people across Richmond and neighboring counties.

Noteworthy Water Details

• Chlorinated and fluoridated: The city adds fluoride (~0.7 mg/L) to support dental health, well under EPA limits.
• Recent infrastructure concerns: In January 2025, equipment issues led to a temporary boil water advisory, paving the way for new investments in treatment facility upgrades.
• Regional supply: Richmond sells water wholesale to Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover, making it not just a city resource but a regional backbone.

Tips for Water Efficiency

• Install low-flow fixtures in showers and faucets.
• Fix leaks promptly, this saves water and reduces wear on aging infrastructure.
• Take advantage of DPU’s yard waste and composting programs to lessen environmental impact and support community sustainability.

Trash and Recycling

In-city Richmond residents receive trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup through Department of Utilities (DPU) based services. A few highlights:

• Weekly curbside trash and recycling.
• Yard waste is collected separately, typically biweekly or by subscription.
• DPU provides guidance on hazardous waste drop-offs and seasonal bulk-item pickup.
• Richmond encourages composting and offers educational programs, great for eco-conscious newcomers!

Best Internet Providers in Richmond

Richmond has a variety of internet providers to keep you connected at home. Here are the top options:

1. Xfinity

• Available to ~99%; speeds up to 2 Gbps.
• Cable plans bundle with TV/mobile/home security; good overall reliability.

2. Verizon Home Internet

• Covers ~80% of the city
• Speeds range up to 2.3 Gbps over their symmetrical fiber network

3. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

• Wireless 5G
• Speeds up to ~415  Mbps
• No contract, free two-day shipping, and a 15-day test drive

4. Starlink Satellite

• Nationwide coverage with ~300 Mbps
• Ideal for more rural or underserved spots

Green Energy & Conservation

Richmond promotes sustainability through several measures:

• Richmond’s yard-waste collection and composting guidance helps reduce landfill waste.
• Dominion’s rebates on ENERGY STAR appliances and peak-time energy reductions help nudge folks toward greener choices.
• Virginia’s Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit offers 30% back (up to thresholds) on heat pumps, insulation, solar, EV chargers, battery storage, and more.
• Pool pump and heat pump water heater rebates encourage more efficient household systems.

Financial Aid & Utility Assistance in Richmond

City of Richmond Energy & Utility Assistance

The City’s Division of Economic Support & Independence (ES&I) runs several seasonal and crisis grant programs:

• Fuel Assistance (Winter Heating): Helps low-income households pay heating bills. Available Oct 2 through Nov 2, with decisions by mid‑December.
• Crisis Assistance: For emergencies like equipment failure or loss of heat. Applications open Nov 1–Mar 15, awards based on need .
• Cooling Assistance (Summer): Helps with air conditioners, fans, cooling deposits, or electric bills during June 15–Aug 15 .

DPU’s “Don’t Delay, Pay Today!” Programs

Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) helps water and wastewater customers through:

• PromisePay Payment Plans: Flexible repayment arrangements for past-due balances
• LIHWAP (Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program): Federally funded to pay water/wastewater bills for those under 150% FPL.
• MetroCare Programs: Water Assistance & Conservation credit adjustments and up to $500 for heating or water bill relief.

Dominion Energy (Electric & Gas) Aid Programs

Dominion Energy and Virginia DSS collaborate on multiple relief initiatives:

• State Fuel & Crisis Assistance: Run by VA DSS through CommonHelp (855‑635‑4370). Heating support runs Oct 10–Nov 15; crisis help is Jan 1–Mar 15.
• State Cooling Assistance: Applied Jun 15–Aug 15, inclusive of bill or deposit aid.
• EnergyShare® (Dominion-sponsored): Year-round crisis relief ($600 heating, $300 cooling). Also includes weatherization upgrades (LEDs, insulation, HVAC tune-ups) for eligible households
• Senior Cool Care: Free single-room AC units for income-eligible seniors in cooler months, administered locally by Area Agencies on Aging.
• PIPP (Percent of Income Payment Program): For Dominion customers ≤150% FPL; pays either 6% (Gas) or 10% (Electric plus heat included) of monthly income. On-time payments reduce past-due balances over 12 months.

Federal & Nonprofit Assistance

• LIHEAP (Federal): State-administered via VA DSS. Offers one-time heating/cooling bill support for low-income households (≤150% FPL or ≤60% SMI).
• WAP – Weatherization Assistance Program: Pairs with LIHEAP to provide free home upgrades (air sealing, insulation, efficient fixtures) to reduce energy bills.
• Dollar Energy Fund – VA Utility Assistance: Offers grants (up to $500, varies) to customers behind on utility bills (electric, gas, water), first come, first served.
• project:HOMES & Viridiant (Local Nonprofits): Delivers weatherization services and critical home repairs to low-income homeowners in Richmond/Henrico/Chesterfield. Viridiant offers affordable energy audits and guidance on cost-effective improvements

Richmond Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Richmond

Richmond Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.