{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/utilities","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/utilities","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"utilities","term":"Utilities","group":"Reading the business","definition":"These are essential services like electricity, water, and gas. They are a recurring operating cost that directly impacts a business's profitability and cash flow.","what_it_means":"When reviewing financials, ensure utilities are consistently expensed and consider seasonal fluctuations. High or erratic utility costs could signal inefficient operations or deferred maintenance, impacting your post-acquisition operating budget.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/utilities","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"business-expense","term":"Business expense","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/business-expense"},{"slug":"general-overhead","term":"General overhead","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/general-overhead"},{"slug":"profit-and-loss-statement","term":"Profit and Loss Statement","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/profit-and-loss-statement"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"Can an SBA 7(a) loan cover ongoing operational costs like rent or utilities?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-an-sba-7-a-loan-cover-ongoing-operational-costs-like-rent-or-utilities"},{"question":"Can an SBA 7(a) loan be used for general operating expenses, like rent and utilities?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-an-sba-7-a-loan-be-used-for-general-operating-expenses-like-rent-and-utilities"},{"question":"Are day-to-day operational expenses like rent or utilities an allowed use of SBA 7(a) loan funds?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/are-day-to-day-operational-expenses-like-rent-or-utilities-an-allowed-use-of-sba-7-a-loan-"},{"question":"Can an SBA 7(a) loan include funds for operational expenses like payroll and utilities for the first few months after acquisition?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/can-an-sba-7-a-loan-include-funds-for-operational-expenses-like-payroll-and-utilities-for-"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Utilities","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/utilities","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}