Tesla has formally entered the Australian electricity market, signaling its intention to reshape the landscape of electricity retailing in the region. The move comes as the Australian Energy Regulator accepted Tesla's application, allowing the company to combine the sales of rooftop solar, energy storage batteries, and its flagship product – electric vehicles.
Tesla is no stranger to the energy sector in Australia, having previously engaged in supplying batteries for various energy storage projects, including the Hornsdale Power Reserve and Victoria Big Battery. The company has also made Powerwall batteries available for household use and established Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in collaboration with Energy Locals.
The latest venture sees Tesla integrating these existing products with its electric vehicles, offering comprehensive retail electricity packages to consumers via the national grid. Tesla Energy Ventures is now in the process of obtaining operating licenses in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Initial customers for Tesla's electricity packages will include owners of Tesla electric vehicles or Powerwall batteries. Commercial customers with Megapacks will also have the opportunity to enroll, with the company boasting a customer base of approximately 150,000 to kickstart its new venture.
Tesla has outlined plans to actively manage the appliances supplying electricity to the grid, a move aimed at efficiently handling the energy demand associated with its expanding Supercharger network across the country. As the tech giant solidifies its footprint in Australia's energy market, industry watchers are keenly observing the potential disruption and innovations that may follow.
