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.
This month's utility costs were higher than last month's.
Utility costs are separate from the rent.
光熱費 covers only electricity and gas; 光熱水費 adds water charges.
水道代 refers specifically to the water bill, while 光熱水費 is the combined total.
Compound of 光熱 (こうねつ, 'light and heat', i.e., electricity and gas) + 水 (すい, 'water') + 費 (ひ, 'cost').