noun
utility costs (electricity, gas, water)
Refers specifically to combined costs for electricity (光熱) and water (水). Often used in household budgeting or rental contexts.
今月の光熱水費は先月より高くなった。
This month's utility costs were higher than last month's.
家賃とは別に光熱水費がかかります。
Utility costs are separate from the rent.
Compound of 光熱 (こうねつ, 'light and heat', i.e., electricity and gas) + 水 (すい, 'water') + 費 (ひ, 'cost').