A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

UTIL

Sun, 31 Dec '23
Gas, e.g.: Abbr.
Sun, 17 Jul '22
Water works, e.g.: Abbr.
Tue, 23 Nov '21
Gas or elec.
Mon, 24 May '21
Electricity or water, e.g.: Abbr.