Circular economy in electricity and gas: efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability

Circular Economy in Electricity and Gas Sales: Efficiency, Digitalization, and Sustainability


The circular economy, when applied to the electricity and gas sales sector, is a strategic lever for building a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy system. Goals such as waste reduction, resource reuse, and the increasing integration of renewable sources are the foundation of a circular energy model aligned with environmental policies and the evolving needs of consumers.

The Central Role of Energy Efficiency and Digital Technologies
In the energy market, efficiency is a fundamental pillar of the circular economy. For Utilities companies, reducing consumption and optimizing resource use means adopting advanced technological solutions — such as smart devices, smart metering, and monitoring systems — to support both household and business customers in achieving greater energy awareness.

According to the Sustainability Report by Fondazione Utilitas and Utilitalia (November 2024), the share of energy from renewable sources reached 73% (+2% compared to 2022), while smart gas meter adoption hit 85%, a 19% increase in just two years. These are key indicators that show the energy transition is well underway.

 

How to Apply the Circular Economy in the Energy Sales Business


For a company operating in the electricity and gas market, integrating circular economy principles means:

  • Promoting renewable energy to reduce environmental impact.

  • Digitalizing services to improve user awareness and control over consumption.

  • Adopting innovative business models, such as dynamic pricing, energy communities, and pay-per-use solutions.

  • Collaborating with circular-minded partners across the entire energy value chain.

  • Reducing operational impact through optimized internal processes and advanced software solutions.

     

Neta by Engineering: Digital Solutions Supporting Sustainability


The Neta platform’s application modules support the sustainable transformation of energy and gas companies, driving the circular transition through digitalization, automation, and advanced data analytics.

 

CRM – Sustainable Customer Engagement


Neta’s CRM module enables intelligent customer relationship management, helping reduce waste and encourage virtuous behavior:

  • Customer segmentation to promote more efficient consumption

  • Personalized offers based on actual usage data

  • Awareness campaigns via email, SMS, push notifications

  • Rewards for sustainable behaviors

    Discover the CRM 

     

MDM Sales – Consumption Data at the Heart of Strategy


An advanced Meter Data Management (MDM) system allows companies to:

  • Analyze consumption data to identify waste and inefficiencies

  • Support self-consumption models and Renewable Energy Communities (RECs)

  • Activate energy coaching dashboards to increase user awareness

    Discover the MDM 

     

Billing – Automation and Administrative Sustainability


Digital billing becomes a key ally of the circular economy:

  • Reducing paper use and materials through full digitalization

  • More accurate invoices to avoid adjustments and energy waste

  • AI-powered customer support to ease pressure on physical channels

    Discover the Billing 

     

Credit Management 


Credit management, often overlooked, can also support circularity:

  • Preventing losses and reducing defaults with AI and scoring systems

  • Proactive repayment plans to avoid service disruptions

  • Digitalized procedures to save time and materials
    Discover the Credit Management module

     

Energy Communities: A Best Practice in Circular Economy


Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are a tangible application of the circular economy in the energy sector. Through self-production and energy sharing models, they generate environmental, economic, and social benefits.

Discover the Energy Community 

 

ERP for Circular Economy in the Energy and Gas Sector


The NetaSIAL ERP module optimizes purchasing, inventory, and accounting with a sustainability focus:

  • Green Procurement: waste reduction and responsible sourcing

  • Smart asset management: reuse and lifecycle extension of goods

  • Administrative digitalization: less paper, automated document handling

  • ESG accounting and reporting: supporting sustainability reports and environmental KPIs

    Discover NetaSIAL

 

Conclusion


Circular economy in electricity and gas sales is not just a trend — it’s a necessity. With digital solutions like the Neta platform, companies can implement sustainable business models, optimize resources, and generate shared value for customers, partners, and communities.
The transition has begun: those who lead it will shape the energy future.