SaaS subscription billing is a newer trend in energy supply compared to recurring ones. It is often linked to fixed-rate or unlimited energy plans.
Being in the sector for over 2 decades now, we see that this utility billing model is evolving, bringing to the energy market new energy ‘schemes’, such as Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) or community solar and energy sharing (we’ll talk about them a bit later).
So, in this piece, we’ll talk everything about SaaS subscription billing solutions and what makes the best SaaS subscription billing software for utilities with traditional energy portfolios and those that innovate with their service and product offers.
Let’s get started.
SaaS subscription billing solutions in the energy sector
We won’t dive into what is SaaS subscription billing since it’s the second most used utility billing model nowadays. At MaxBill, we cover the following energy plans or ‘schemes’ that are subscription-based:
- Customers pay a fixed monthly fee regardless of usage (common in green energy providers and new energy startups) – Flat-rate energy subscription plans.
- Some providers allow customers to subscribe to solar, wind, or hydro energy at a fixed monthly cost – Renewable energy subscriptions
- Companies offer subscription-based access to public or home-based electric vehicle (EV) charging networks – EV charging subscriptions
- EV owners subscribe to battery swap or rental services instead of purchasing a battery outright – Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS)
- Companies provide AI-driven energy optimization, demand response services, or smart metering on a subscription basis – Smart home energy management services
Households subscribe to shared solar farms and receive a fixed allotment of green energy – Community solar and energy sharing.
Why automating subscription billing is critical?
Needless to say that automated subscription billing is simply better than manual one because it improves efficiency, employees make way less mistakes if any at all. Plus, recurring payments become seamless.
The financial department gets an improved revenue recognition, and, in general, automation of SaaS subscription billing is a great part of customer retention strategies.In our opinion, besides all these benefits, seamlessly aligning revenue management with subscription processes is essential to ensure precise revenue recognition and adherence to accounting standards such as ASC 606 and IFRS 15 (in the energy sector, we also consider the related nuances, as energy billing follows different regulatory frameworks).
Key features of the best subscription billing software
- Automated invoicing and recurring invoicing software
Customers receive timely and accurate bills without manual intervention, reducing errors and administrative workload. Invoices are generated and sent automatically at predefined intervals. This way, companies ensure their cash flow is healthy and consistent.
- Dunning management software for failed payments
If failed payments occur, the system sends automated reminders, retries transactions, and offers alternative payment options. Thus, companies address the revenue loss due to expired cards, insufficient funds, or technical issues.
- Subscription billing engine and revenue analytics
The entire billing cycle is automated here, from calculating charges to processing payments. If businesses want to make data-friven decisions, tey should definitely leverage integrated revenue analytics. It provides insights into customer behavior, churn rates, and revenue trends.
At MaxBill, we provide Reporting Dashboards with a complete overview of financial performance and client-related metrics with precision.
- Support for multiple pricing models (fixed, usage-based, tiered, etc.)
Pricing models differ nowadays, from fixed fees, pay-as-you-go, tiered pricing, and hybrid models. It’s important for utility businesses to be versatile to tailor their pricing strategy to different customer segments and maximize revenue potential.
- Tax compliance and regulations
For this business, adherence to global and local tax regulations is critical. The SaaS subscription billing software simply automatically calculates and applying the correct tax rates. It helps comply with tax laws across different regions, reducing the risk of penalties and errors in tax filings.
How to choose the right subscription billing software
At MaxBill, we can distil three key evaluation metrics:
1 – Evaluating subscription billing solutions based on your business size and needs. Do you want SaaS billing with minimal setup to make some operational improvements? Or, are you about to expand services and your customer base grows? It all depends on your business needs.
2 – Integration capabilities with accounting, CRM, and payment gateways.
SaaS subscription billing is a part of modern SaaS billing software for energy and utility and obviously, it comes by default that any kind of integration capability is a must.
3 – Importance of customer support and security features.
The same is true here. Today, SaaS subscription billing solutions are about self-service portals, digital engagement of customers, and, of course, the security of their transactions and sensitive data.
Subscription billing best practices
- Optimizing pricing models for different customer segments
In late 2024, we had an amazing webinar on Innovative pricing strategies for energy and utility. Take a glimpse into it:
- Reducing churn with proactive dunning management
The high churn rates have been an issue that MaxBill helps tackle with utility companies. You can get to know more at
A Churn Prediction Model for Utilities to Increase Customer Loyalty
- Improving customer experience through flexible billing options
MaxBill has been featured by Gartner as a modern Customer Information System for energy and utility. This means that our top priority is to help businesses serve their customers better.
Superior utility customer experience by transforming into a customer-centric utility.
Innovative and Competitive Pricing Strategies for Energy and Utility.
Dynamic pricing energy contracts to harness price volatility and get loyal customers.
- Handling refunds and chargebacks effectively
Chargebacks and refund requests are common issues in subscription billing, and utility companies often face disputes and revenue loss as a result. Thus, automated subscription billing software offers clear refund policies, automated chargeback alerts, and proactive customer support.
- Subscription billing automation
Billing automation in the subscription is just a must in billing systems. It is a critical enabler of digital transformation in utilities. Not only does it improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency but also aligns with broader strategic trends such as total experience (TX), AI-driven analytics, and IoT-enabled smart metering.
Implement your subscription-based services with MaxBill
Top 5 best SaaS subscription billing in 2025
MaxBill SaaS subscription billing software for energy and utility
MaxBill is a comprehensive billing and customer information system (CIS) designed to support energy and utility companies in managing their operations efficiently.
If you are one of the following, then MaxBill is the fit:
- Public and Independent Utilities: Organizations managing services such as water, electricity, natural gas, and more.
- Municipalities and City Services: Local government entities overseeing various public services.
- Property Managers and Housing Associations: Entities responsible for tenant billing and property management.
- Renewable Energy Providers: Companies offering green energy solutions.
MaxBill stands out in the energy and utility sector due to its:
- Comprehensive Service Management: Ability to handle multiple utility services within a single platform, including water, electricity, gas, and more.
- Scalability: Designed to support growth, allowing businesses to expand their service offerings and customer base without compromising performance.
- Automation and Efficiency: Automates key business processes, from meter reading to billing and payment collection, reducing manual intervention and errors.
- Customer Empowerment: Features like the Customer Self-Care portal enable consumers to monitor and manage their consumption, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
Implementing MaxBill offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Revenue Management: Accurate billing and efficient payment collection processes ensure steady cash flow and reduce outstanding debts.
- Improved Customer Experience: Transparent billing and self-service options lead to higher customer satisfaction and retention.
- Operational Excellence: Streamlined workflows and automated processes increase operational efficiency, allowing staff to focus on strategic initiatives.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to local regulations and standards, minimizing legal risks.
Maxio for FinTech
Maxio is a comprehensive billing solution that seamlessly integrates with CRM systems like Salesforce and HubSpot. It supports over 20 payment gateways and offers multi-currency capabilities, accommodating various usage-based pricing models. By automating complex billing processes, Maxio enhances revenue recognition and reduces manual errors. Its robust analytics provide actionable insights, aiding businesses in making informed financial decisions.
Zuora for Media & Entertainment and Telecommunications
Zuora is a versatile billing platform that integrates with major tools across CRM, marketing, and ERP systems. It supports 40+ payment gateways and 20+ payment methods, with multiple currency support. Zuora offers over 50 pricing models, including per unit, pre-rated, and multi-attribute. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor their billing strategies to diverse market needs. Its comprehensive integration capabilities streamline operations, enhancing overall efficiency.
Paddle for eCommerce
Paddle is a billing platform that effortlessly integrates with various CRM and ERP systems. It supports multiple payment gateways and offers multi-currency support, accommodating various pricing models. Paddle’s all-in-one platform simplifies the billing process, reducing the need for multiple tools. Its global payment processing capabilities make it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to expand internationally.
Zoho Subscriptions for Enterprises and service-based businesses
Zoho Subscriptions is a billing solution that integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products. It supports over 10 integrated payment gateways and 100+ currencies, accommodating various pricing models. Zoho Subscriptions offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive analytics, providing businesses with valuable insights into their subscription metrics. Its integration with the Zoho ecosystem ensures a cohesive experience across various business functions.
