Many Richmond residents are seeing higher natural gas bills this winter, and the primary reason is the extreme cold we experienced across the region. 

Record Low Temperatures Drive Higher Usage 

During periods of record low temperatures, natural gas systems work harder—and longer—to keep homes warm. When outdoor temperatures drop well below normal, heating systems cycle more frequently and use more energy to maintain safe and comfortable indoor temperatures. 

Even small changes in thermostat settings can lead to significant increases in usage during extreme cold. The colder it is outside, the more natural gas is required to heat your home, especially overnight when temperatures remain low for extended periods. 

Rising Natural Gas Prices and Market Conditions 

In addition to increased usage, natural gas prices fluctuate based on market conditions, including storms, weather variations, and supply and demand. By federal law, the wholesale price of natural gas is unregulated and can rise or fall with market conditions. 

A key part of your natural gas bill is the Purchased Gas Cost (PGC), which reflects the actual cost of the natural gas purchased and delivered to customers. By law, gas utilities must pass this cost on to customers dollar for dollar, without markup or profit. 

How the Purchased Gas Cost Affects Your Bill 

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities charges customers monthly for natural gas service. The PGC is adjusted monthly to better reflect actual market conditions and fuel costs. 

Other components of the natural gas bill include: 

These charges are fixed rates set annually each July. Current natural gas rates are available on rva.gov/public-utilities. 

When higher market prices occur at the same time as increased usage during extreme cold, customers may see noticeable increases in their bills. 

Longer Cold Stretches Add Up 

This winter has included multiple consecutive days of sustained cold. Unlike brief cold snaps, prolonged low temperatures prevent homes from retaining heat, causing furnaces to run almost continuously. That extended runtime directly impacts monthly natural gas usage—and ultimately, your bill. 

Homes Respond Differently to Extreme Cold 

Several factors can influence how much natural gas a home uses during cold weather, including: 

Homes with older systems or limited insulation may see larger increases during extreme weather events. 

What You Can Do 

While weather conditions are outside anyone’s control, there are steps customers can take to help manage usage during cold periods: 

 These small changes can help reduce usage, especially during extended cold weather. 

Help Managing Seasonal Bill Changes 

Customers who experience difficulty paying their natural gas bill are encouraged to seek help before bills become unmanageable. DPU offers information and assistance programs year-round to support customers facing financial challenges. 

One option is enrolling in the Equal Monthly Payment Plan (EMPP). EMPP helps reduce seasonal bill fluctuations by creating equal monthly payments based on a customer’s total annual usage. This program can make household energy costs more predictable and help customers develop a monthly energy budget. 

Customers who need additional support may also be eligible for the MetroCare Heat Program, a heating bill assistance program that provides funds to qualifying households experiencing financial difficulty or other special hardship. Residents within the DPU gas service territory may apply for assistance through MetroCare. 

Looking Ahead 

As temperatures return closer to seasonal norms, natural gas usage typically decreases. Understanding how extreme weather affects energy use can help customers plan ahead and avoid surprises during future cold snaps. 

For more information about billing or payment assistance, visit rva.gov/public-utilities or contact Customer Service at 804-646-4646.