The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has announced a temporary pause on gas and water service disconnections for nonpayment, as well as a suspension of late fees for the month of November. The move aims to help residents impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown and the temporary pause in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP provides financial assistance to low-income households for heating costs, including natural gas. The current program pause has left many residents uncertain about how to cover energy bills as colder weather approaches. While funding is frozen, the Department of Social Services is still accepting LIHEAP applications through Friday, November 14th, so that reviews can be processed quickly once the program resumes. Last year, LIHEAP helped 1,227 DPU natural gas customers with more than $550,000 in assistance…