Richmond Energy Burden Study Survey
Your input makes a difference. Take our short survey!
The Community Climate Collaborative (C3) is conducting a study to understand and map who is most affected by high energy bills in Richmond, with the ultimate goal of making policy changes and expanding City resources to lower energy burden and costs.
C3 is seeking feedback from Richmond residents to inform the study. We invite you to share your experiences with high energy costs, your challenges with energy affordability, and what solutions you’d like to see.
The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and personally identifying information will not be shared.
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Understanding Energy Burden
What is energy burden? Energy burden is the percentage of a household’s income spent on energy bills. For example, if someone makes $3000 a month and pays $300 in energy costs, they’d have a monthly energy burden of 10% (considered very high!).
What energy bills/costs are you interested in? We’re interested in common household energy costs, such as electricity, natural gas, and other common heating fluids.
How will my survey responses be used? Survey responses will be included in the qualitative portion of our study, which explores the direct impacts and experiences of residents (as opposed to sharing only data). No personal information will be shared.
Interested in receiving updates on our energy burden study or getting involved in local advocacy?
Sign up for our mailing lists below!
ENERGY ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
Need assistance with energy bills? Check out the following resources:
The State of Virginia offers a variety of assistance programs to residents.
Visit the Virginia Energy Assistance Site or click assistance options below to learn more:
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Cooling Assistance: applications are accepted from June 15 through August 15 to help eligible households with their cooling needs. Cooling assistance covers the purchase of a fan; the purchase and installation of an air conditioner; payment of an electric utility security deposit; and/or payment of the electric bill to operate the cooling equipment.
Apply for energy assistance online through CommonHelp, or call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 855-635-4370 Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. to apply by phone.
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Applications are accepted from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November with eligibility determined by mid-December.
Apply for energy assistance online through CommonHelp, or call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 855-635-4370 Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. to apply by phone.
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Applications are accepted from November 1 through March 15 based on the availability of funds. Crisis funds are only available if needs are not met by other assistance funds.
Apply for energy assistance online through CommonHelp, or call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 855-635-4370 Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. to apply by phone.
Dominion Energy, the electric utility serving the City of Richmond, offers assistance to customers in need.
Click assistance options below to learn more:
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Senior Cool Care Program: provides a free single-room air conditioner unit to low-income older citizens. Seniors must be 60 or older, be at or below 150% of the poverty level, and need additional cooling at home.
The program runs June 1 – Sept. 30. For information to apply for Senior Cool Care in Virginia, call 1-800-552-3402.
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EnergyShare Program: A “last resort” assistance program that offers Bill Payment Assistance and Weatherization consultations and installations for qualifying residents. EnergyShare is not income based. Anyone facing a crisis and in danger of losing their primary heating or cooling source may be eligible for assistance.
The application window for General applicant is Oct 1 – May 31 for Heating and June 1 – Sept 30 for Cooling; for Veterans and Persons Living with Disabilities, it is year round. Applicants must live in a Dominion service territory to qualify for assistance.
If you’re a Virginia customer, call 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org for a referral to your local EnergyShare agency. Or, find your local EnergyShare agency.
The City of Richmond offers a variety of assistance and payment schemes to help residents pay their bills on time.
Click assistance options below to learn more:
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Senior Assistance (only for seniors - adults 60+):
Suspended shut-off orders between Dec. 1 - March 31
No late fees and security deposit waiver
Weatherization Kits
Third-party access to billing information.
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PromisePay: (RVA-sponsored third-party): provides convenient, flexible payment options to gas and water customers who are unable to pay their bills.
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Equal Monthly Payment Plan: spreads your annual gas bill over 12 months. The estimated monthly payment is based on the previous year's natural gas usage.
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MetroCare Heat Program and Water Program: assists those experiencing financial difficulties with their heating or water bills.
Must have either an income below the Federal Poverty Guidelines, be unemployed, or have a family crisis. Maximum assistance of $500.
project:HOMES is a VA-based nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services to homeowners related to energy efficiency, weatherization, and critical home repairs.
Click assistance options below to learn more:
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Eligibility: Must be a homeowner in coverage area. Must meet income requirements.
Home Rehabilitation program provides one-time assistance to eligible homeowners living in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hopewell, Colonial Heights and Petersburg by completing critical home repairs. The repairs provided depend on the scope of work and available funding.
This program provides: Home repairs
Typical services include:Plumbing and electrical work
Replacing rotted flooring
Roof repair
Replacing and/or repairing unsafe porches, steps & railings
Cost: Free
How to apply: Call: 804-612-3350
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Eligibility:
Must own your home, or have permission from the landlord to apply.
Must meet yearly income requirements.
Must live in program coverage area.
Description:
The Weatherization Assistance Program is a federally funded program administered by project:HOMES that assists low-income households with energy improvements in their homes at no cost to them.
This program provides:
- Weatherization
Weatherization may include:
- Air Sealing
- Insulation
- Leak Repairs
- Ventilation Upgrades
- Efficient Light Sources
- Efficient Appliances
- Water Savers
- Client Education
Services rendered are dependent upon an energy assessment by certified staff, as well as current DHCD guidelines.Cost: Free
How to apply:
Email energyconservation.applications@projecthomes.org to apply
Call 804-612-3360
Viridiant is a local non-profit that offers expert inspections, diagnostic testing, consulting, and design services to help Richmonders identify and prioritize opportunities to reduce energy costs while improving comfort, indoor air quality, and durability.
Click available services below to learn more:
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Viridiant provides energy audit services for homeowners, renters, landlords, rental property managers, and commercial building operators. Starting at $89.
More info can be found here.
Options include:
Blower door testing
Duct leakage testing
Infrared scan home inspection
Holistic energy improvement planning
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Viridiant offers a variety of workforce development training and education programs. Course content includes up-to-the-minute knowledge of building science fundamentals, building code changes, high-performance housing technologies, and certification programs.
More info can be found here.
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Viridiant’s energy code compliance services help builders and developers efficiently and cost-effectively meet state and local energy efficiency standards, reducing potential risks and easing regulatory review.
More info can be found here.
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Viridiant can guide customers through a wide range of respected certification programs for multifamily housing, commercial buildings, and single-family homes. Certifications include: