How to Pay Your City of Richmond Utility Bill Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

Paying your utility bill to the City of Richmond is easy and convenient with the online payment options available. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) offers several ways to view and pay your bill online, whether you want to make a one-time payment or set up recurring automatic payments. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process for setting up online bill pay with the City of Richmond.

Overview of Online Bill Pay Options with the City of Richmond

The City of Richmond DPU offers both residential and commercial customers several options for paying utility bills online, including:

• MyHQ Allows you to view current and past bills online (up to 36 months) make one-time payments set up automatic payments, and more.

• EZ-Pay Quick and easy online payments through the EZ-Pay portal. Accepts debit cards credit cards, checking/savings accounts.

• Phone Payments: Call DPU at (804) 646-4646 to pay over the phone using a credit card.

• Auto Pay: Set up recurring automatic payments from your checking account each month.

• PromisePay: Enroll in flexible payment plans if you have a past due balance.

• In-Person Payments: Pay with cash, check, or money order at City Hall and other locations.

• Pay By Mail: Mail your check or money order to DPU’s payment processing center.

With these convenient options, City of Richmond utility customers can choose the online bill payment method that fits their needs and preferences.

Step 1: Locate Your City of Richmond Utility Account Number

To pay your utility bill online, you’ll need your DPU account number. Here are some tips for finding it:

• Check the top right corner of your paper bill.

• Sign in to MyHQ or EZ-Pay and locate it shown on your account.

• Call DPU customer service at (804) 646-4646 to retrieve your account number.

• Use the DPU account lookup tool on their website.

Once you have your DPU account number, make sure to write it down or save it for easy access when you’re ready to pay online.

Step 2: Select Your Preferred Online Payment Method

With your account number handy, you can now choose how you want to pay your City of Richmond utility bill electronically. Here’s an overview of the top options:

MyHQ

MyHQ allows you to manage all aspects of your utility account online. You can view current and past bills, make one-time payments, set up automatic payments, and more.

To get started with MyHQ:

• Go to MyHQ login page

• Click “Get Started” if new customer

• Enter your account number and other details

• Complete enrollment

Once enrolled, you can log in anytime to view and pay your bill with MyHQ.

EZ-Pay

EZ-Pay is DPU’s online bill pay portal for fast, easy one-time payments.

To make a payment with EZ-Pay:

• Visit EZ-Pay website

• Click “Pay Now with EZ-Pay” button

• Enter account number and zip code

• Select payment amount

• Enter payment details and submit

EZ-Pay accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank accounts. A $2.25 convenience fee applies per transaction.

Auto Pay

For hands-free bill payment, enroll in auto pay to have your bill paid automatically each month from your bank account.

To set up auto pay:

• Download auto pay form from DPU website

• Complete form with your account and bank details

• Attach voided check and submit to DPU

Once enrolled, your bill will be paid automatically on the due date each month.

Pay By Phone

Call DPU at (804) 646-4646 and select the pay by phone option. You can make a payment using your credit card over the phone.

Step 3: Enter Your Payment Details and Submit

Once you’ve selected your preferred online payment method, the final step is to complete the transaction by entering your payment details.

For one-time payments through MyHQ or EZ-Pay, you’ll be prompted to enter:

• Credit/debit card number and expiration date

• Bank account number and routing number

• Billing address

For auto pay enrollment, you’ll provide:

• DPU account number

• Bank account and routing numbers

• Voided check

Double check that all details entered are accurate to avoid any errors or delays in processing your payment. Finally, submit your payment and you’re done!

Tips for Paying Your Richmond Utilities Bill Online

Follow these tips and best practices when paying your City of Richmond utility bill electronically:

• Pay at least 3-5 business days before due date for on-time payment.

• Save your DPU account number in your online payment account or profile for faster payments.

• Opt for auto pay or recurring payments to avoid late fees.

• Contact DPU immediately if your payment fails or if you have any issues.

• Keep bank account information updated if you have any changes.

• Monitor your account frequently and pay new bills promptly each month.

Options for Financial Assistance Paying Utility Bills

If you are facing financial hardship and are struggling to pay your utility bill to the City of Richmond, DPU offers assistance programs including:

• PromisePay: Enroll in flexible payment plans.

• Equal Monthly Payment Plan: Spread annual bills over 12 months.

• MetroCare Heat Program: Get help paying heating bills.

• MetroCare Water Program: Receive payment assistance for water bills.

• Seniors Assistance: Payment help and bill management options for seniors.

Contact DPU at (804) 646-4646 to learn more about these affordability programs if you need help paying your bill.

Paying your utilities bill online with the City of Richmond is quick, easy, and convenient. With options like MyHQ, EZ-Pay, auto pay, and phone payments, you can choose the method that works best for you. Just be sure to have your DPU account number ready and allow enough time for payments to process before the due date. Reach out to DPU’s customer service for any questions or issues with online bill payment.