Norfolk Utilities offering interest-free payments and additional assistance.
NORFOLK, VA – In response to the increased HRUBS bills impacting consumers, Norfolk Utilities is offering interest-free payment arrangements, in addition to state and regional bill assistance through Low Income Housing Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and Share H20.
Regular bill payments will still be due, but payment arrangements can help break apart larger bills over a three-month period. Customers can contact Utilities’ customer service at (757)-664-6700 for more information or visit www.norfolk.gov/5191/Question-About-My-Bill.
Customers who meet income eligibility requirements, may also be able to get assistance from LIHWAP or the Share H20 Program. Information can be found online at www.norfolk.gov/helpwithmybill.
In the City of Norfolk, the average 30-day water consumption is roughly six CCF (hundred cubic feet) per household. This equates to $160.75 per month. All services on the combined utility bill (water, wastewater collection, refuse, and stormwater) went through a regular annual increase in July (www.norfolk.gov/utrates). These changes to the average monthly bill amounted to an increase of $8.22 more than last year.
Norfolk Utilities experienced inclement weather events along with meter reading staff shortages from the contracted vendor, both resulting in longer billing periods (some as long as 48-day cycles). This staffing shortage has also impacted several neighboring cities that utilize the same vendor. Norfolk Utilities’ customer service team has reviewed resident inquiries and most did not reveal billing irregularities, only changes tied to the rate increase and extended billing periods.
The utilities meter reading contractor is working to stabilize its work force and get back to the normal billing schedule. Utilities staff is in communication with the contractor daily on its progress.