Applications open to Richmond residents for utility relief assistance The James River and downtown Richmond. (Source: Pixabay) By NBC12 Newsroom | December 21, 2020 at 9:04 PM EST - Updated January 11 at 12:37 PM RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Help is on the way for people who live in Richmond who are unable to pay their utility bills because of the pandemic. The COVID-19 Municipal Utility Relief Program funding provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is being administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and supports municipal utility relief efforts during the pandemic. The deadline to apply is Jan. 17.