Conditionnel et impact des innovations énergétiques

Read the following text and complete the gap: 'Smart cities use advanced sensors to monitor energy consumption. If engineers ________ (optimize) these systems, the city could save energy resources efficiently.' In this context, let $E$ be the total energy consumed and $S$ be the energy saved by innovation. The net energy consumption is given by the formula $N = E - S$. If innovation increases $S$, explain the impact on $N$ using the correct verb form for the gap.