The Competitive Edge: How Doorstep Energy Delivery Services Disrupt the Retail Landscape
By: Neeraj Gupta
We are living in the decade of disruption. If you do not evolve, you will perish and there are multiple examples to prove this. As Brian Solis puts it – “Disruption is either going to happen to you or because of you.” Tesla disrupted the automobile industry, AirBnB disrupted the hospitality industry. Similarly, the energy industry is undergoing massive disruptions and transformations today.
For example, efficiently managing energy resources is a critical aspect of the retail industry. Especially with dwindling margins and the rising cost of energy, retailers often struggle to find competitive and new age ways to source energy products. Imagine how doorstep energy delivery can transform this industry. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed consumer behaviour significantly, and simplicity, convenience and assurance are top priorities for consumers today. The doorstep energy delivery market is hence seeing a dramatic shift and rise. According to Future Market Insight, “the mobile fuel delivery market is anticipated to record a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2022 – 2032). The market is expected to be appraised at US$ 4.8 billion in 2022 and is poised to reach US$ 9.3 billion by 2032.”
Creating a hassle free experience
Experience is king, and businesses across sectors are adopting technologies to foremost improve customer experience. Similarly, wouldn’t it be great if you could order energy products such as fuel, lubricants, or even renewable energy through a click of a button on your smartphone? And it gets delivered to your doorstep. Sourcing energy products is often a tedious and costly process, and there are high chances of pilferage and waste. Doorstep energy delivery services leverage advanced technologies and efficient supply chain management to streamline operations. This ensures that the energy products are delivered promptly and efficiently, meeting customers’ needs without delays or inconvenience.
Moreover, through the doorstep delivery model (DDD), companies can forge a direct and customised rapport with their customers. By prioritising outstanding customer service and personalised interactions, retailers have the opportunity to cultivate ongoing relationships, nurturing loyalty and encouraging repeated business.
Expanding access to energy by overcoming geographical barriers
People and industries based in remote areas have struggled for generations to access reliable and affordable energy sources because of their geographical constraints. In a recent report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), it highlighted the significant energy access challenges faced by remote and untapped regions around the world. This energy disparity not only hinders social and economic development but also exacerbates existing inequalities. Doorstep energy delivery services overcome these constraints by leveraging advanced logistics and delivery networks by optimising their delivery routes and reach consumers in even the most remote areas while offering hassle-free delivery. Moreover, it enables consumers in those regions to access high quality energy resources conveniently, further enhancing their satisfaction and loyalty.
Doorstep energy delivery services streamline supply chain operations, reducing the complexities associated with traditional retail distribution. By adopting innovative technologies and optimized logistics, retailers can achieve cost savings and operational efficiency.
Making Bharat more sustainable
Reducing carbon footprint is top of the agenda for every business, and governments globally. Doorstep energy delivery can play a big role in helping Bharat become more sustainable.
Consumers have become more environmentally conscious and for companies, it is imperative that they work towards effectively decreasing their carbon footprint by embracing eco-friendly practices, minimising fuel consumption and optimising their delivery routes.
“Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” – Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of Norway.
Doorstep energy delivery services leverage digital platforms, advanced analytics, and seamless customer experiences to gain a significant advantage over traditional means of energy distribution. The convenience led and personalised nature of doorstep energy delivery services attract customers seeking time-saving and safe solutions. By continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation, doorstep energy delivery services remain at the forefront of disruptive change in the industry.
Cutting CO2 Emissions: Last-Mile Delivery
Last-mile delivery plays a pivotal role in reducing CO2 emissions within the logistics sector. According to research by Stand.earth, globally, the last mile delivery accounts for up to 50% of the total delivery carbon emissions. In India, the last-mile courier industry alone emits approximately 500,000 metric tonnes of CO2 annually.
To combat this, providers are adopting eco-friendly transportation, such as electric vehicles, and implementing sophisticated route optimisation to reduce travel distances and emissions. By consolidating deliveries and prioritising sustainability, last-mile services are leading the charge in achieving greener, more environmentally responsible delivery practices, resulting in a significant reduction in emissions.
In conclusion, doorstep energy delivery services have transformed the retail industry by meeting evolving customer demands, expanding market reach, enhancing customer engagement, streamlining operations, prioritizing sustainability, and disrupting traditional retail models. These services offer convenient and hassle-free experiences, capitalizing on innovative strategies to reshape energy distribution and drive industry innovation.
(The author of the article is Neeraj Gupta, CEO – India, FuelBuddy, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
