Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - running costs

1. The running costs of a business are the amount of money that is regularly spent on things such as salaries, heating, lighting, and rent. (BUSINESS) The aim is to cut running costs by ?90 million per year. = overheads N-PLURAL 2. The running costs of a device such as a heater or a fridge are the amount of money that you spend on the gas, electricity, or other type of energy that it uses. Always buy a heater with thermostat control to save on running costs. N-PLURAL