Combining recurring billing options with utility services creates a win-win situation for both energy and utility service providers and consumers. For example, energy providers leverage a tariff that gives customers predictable cost savings by tracking and undercutting standard variable prices. The plan might include reduced standing charges, ensuring that all customers benefit equally.
Thus, the recurring billing model and efficient approach to price shaping allow consumers to get stable, predictable energy costs with automatic savings, and energy providers – consistent revenue while offering competitive pricing.
In this article, we’ll cover everything about recurring billing SaaS used by most energy suppliers and utilities, get to know how to pick the right one for your organisation and find the list of such based on MaxBill’s two-decade experience in the domain of energy and utility.
If you need the best recurring billing software for your organisation, take a look.
Recurring billing systems in the energy and utility sector nowadays
At MaxBill, recurring billing is a part of comprehensive SaaS billing for SMEs in energy and utility. We work with traditional utility billing models, where customers are charged periodically based on consumption or a fixed rate. For example:
- Electricity and gas supply: customers receive monthly or quarterly bills based on metered consumption.
- Water supply services: regular billing cycles based on measured water usage.
- District heating and cooling: cities or large buildings with centralised heating/cooling systems often charge users regularly.
The following are not traditional recurring billing but might include its elements like recurring payments and periodic credits or bills.
- Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) energy: Prepaid energy models where customers make recurring payments to top up their usage.
- Net metering for solar power: Customers selling excess energy back to the grid may receive periodic credits or bills.
Modern billing software for a stable cash flow
For energy providers, recurring billing means stable cash flow by getting steady revenue and having better financial planning. With automated recurring billing software, there’s no need in for manual invoicing and follow-ups.
From the customer’s perspective, they prefer hassle-free, predictable payments, making them more likely to stay with an energy supplier.
At MaxBill, we have a broader look at revenue collection. Within this scope of service, we deliver configurable collection strategies, utility debt management, and debt prediction models to keep cash flow as healthy as possible.
Automated recurring billing software as a must in E&U billing operations
Automation is king in billing processes for utility and energy companies. It creates convenience for customers by reducing the hassle of manual bill payments and companies get administrative costs reduced as well. Besides, there are fewer missed payments due to automated reminders and payment systems.
An automated recurring billing platform streamlines the generation and distribution of bills, handles formatting, and facilitates secure and automated payment processing.
Recurring invoicing software: impeccable invoicing to shine in 2025
At MaxBill, we deliver recurring invoice software that solves the following challenges when it comes to invoicing:
- Accuracy of Meter Readings
Recurring billing relies on periodic meter readings. If smart meters or manual readings are incorrect or delayed, it results in incorrect recurring charges.
- Regulatory Compliance
In some countries, regulations complicate invoice calculations. For instance, in the UK these are the Default Tariff Cap and Energy Price Guarantee that should be factored in when doing invoicing. Besides, frequent policy changes require companies to update their billing systems continuously.
- Customer Disputes Over Recurring Charges
Customers often challenge recurring bills due to unexpected changes in charges, estimated readings, or tariff adjustments.
- Smart Meter Data Integration
Many customers now have smart meters, which provide real-time usage data. Invoices need to reflect accurate, dynamic consumption rather than estimates, requiring seamless data integration.
- Energy Price Volatility
Recurring charges may fluctuate due to wholesale price changes, government levies, or tariff shifts, making it hard to ensure stable billing.
Additional challenges unique to this type of billing
- Subscription Flexibility and Plan Changes
Customers may switch plans frequently (e.g., from fixed to variable tariffs), requiring pro-rated billing adjustments.
- Failed Payments and Debt Management
Recurring billing systems must handle declined payments, expired cards, and late fees while offering solutions like automated retries and payment reminders.
- Contract and Renewal Management
Recurring billing requires automated contract management, including renewals, discounts, and termination policies.
- Multi-Tier and Usage-Based Billing
Some customers require tiered billing (e.g., low/high consumption tiers) or usage-based pricing, adding complexity to invoice calculations.
- Customer Self-Service Expectations
Customers expect self-service portals where they can update payment details, change plans, or view billing history without contacting support.
How to choose the best recurring billing system
As previously stated, the best recurring billing service is a part of billing SaaS for small, medium, and enterprise-size companies in energy and utility. It comes with a recurring billing engine that minimizes human errors, such as duplicate billing entries, and improves the performance of financial services by automating billing processes and monitoring invoice delivery.
Recurring service billing software with automation serves the business goals of a particular energy or utility supplier. Whether it’s a traditional service or an innovative one like net metering with recurring billing elements, it ensures stable cash flow and customer satisfaction that comes from stability and predictability.
The 3 best software for recurring billing to thrive in 2025
1. MaxBill software for recurring billing – Our choice in 2025 🏆🥇
MaxBill provides a versatile billing solution that efficiently manages recurring charges alongside other billing types. Its seamless integration with broader business processes ensures compatibility with multiple currencies and payment methods. Built to accommodate intricate billing structures, MaxBill recurring payment software is well-suited for businesses with diverse operational models.
2. QUIXOTIC cloud-based energy management platform
It is designed to automate and optimize billing processes for energy suppliers. The platform offers features, such as efficient contract management, seamless integration with Distribution System Operators (DSOs), and support for complex products like solar installations and virtual batteries. The platform aims to reduce administrative errors and enhance operational efficiency, which makes it suitable for energy retailers and communities seeking scalable solutions.
3. Nitrobox cloud-based monetization platform
The solution automates complex billing processes for businesses. It supports various billing models, including subscriptions, pay-per-use, and one-time transactions, and offers features such as payment management, recurring billing, and revenue recognition. Nitrobox integrates with multiple payment providers and gateways, enabling businesses to manage payments efficiently and provide customers with their preferred payment methods.
