According to the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities:

RICHMOND, VA—Beginning with the utility bill to be received in March 2011, city of Richmond Department of Public Utilities natural gas customers will see a six and a half percent decrease in the purchased gas cost (PGC). This amounts to an overall four percent decrease in their natural gas bill, Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today.

“In recent months, the increase in natural gas production and low volatility in natural gas markets have translated to our ability to pass on lower prices to city of Richmond natural gas consumers,” Mayor Jones said.

Beginning with the first bill customers receive in March 2011, the PGC will decrease from $.695 to $.650 per Ccf (100 cubic feet of natural gas). As a result, the average residential customer who uses 70 Ccf per month will pay approximately $86.84 compared to a current price of $89.99.

The City of Richmond passes along the cost of the natural gas it purchases to its customers, dollar for dollar, without any markup. The PGC cost is one of three components of a customer’s natural gas bill. The other components are the customer charge and the distribution charge.

DPU analysts periodically review and adjust rates up or down based on market and weather conditions.

DPU offers information and programs year-round to help customers manage their utility bills and seek assistance before bills become unmanageable. DPU also encourages customers to consider enrolling in the Equal Monthly Payment Plan (EMPP) in order to avoid large seasonal fluctuations in their monthly bill. More information about EMPP and other programs is available by calling 644-3000 or visiting DPU’s Website at
http://www.richmondgov.com/dpu