Tesla Electric, the newly established electric utility division of Tesla, is set to expand its operations in the United Kingdom, according to a recent job posting. Following its successful implementation of virtual power plants (VPPs), Tesla took a significant step forward last year with the introduction of “Tesla Electric.”
Unlike the reactive approach seen in Tesla Powerwall owners participating in VPPs in California, Tesla Electric takes a proactive stance by automatically purchasing and selling electricity for Tesla Powerwall owners. This innovative service acts as a safeguard against peak pricing, effectively transforming the company into an energy retailer.
Presently, Tesla Electric is exclusively available to Powerwall owners in Texas. However, the company aims to broaden its reach through this newly established division. Earlier reports highlighted Tesla Electric customers in Texas earning up to $150 per day by selling electricity back to the grid.
With its sights set on global expansion, Tesla is now turning its attention to the United Kingdom. The company recently posted a job listing for the position of “Head of Operations, Tesla Electric – Retail Energy,” signaling its intentions to enter the UK market.
Tesla’s job description states, “As part of Tesla’s mission to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy, we have launched Tesla Electric. Tesla Electric is Tesla’s retail electricity offering, currently available to Tesla product owners in selected markets globally, such as Texas. We believe strongly that simplifying and improving the customer experience around retail electricity and virtual power plants is necessary to drive significant adoption amongst consumers. Delivering a seamless, simple customer experience will ensure that small-scale residential flexibility can be fully utilized to support the transition of the entire electricity grid to 100% renewables.”
This move has been in the pipeline for some time. Previously, Tesla collaborated with Octopus Energy in the UK to offer special electricity rates for Tesla owners, a move that seemed to pave the way for Tesla’s own entry into the energy market. In 2020, Tesla obtained official approval as an electricity retailer in the UK, setting the stage for the launch of Tesla Electric.
As Tesla continues to disrupt traditional industries, its expansion into the retail energy sector underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging its position as an electricity retailer, Tesla aims to simplify and enhance the customer experience while harnessing the potential of residential flexibility to facilitate the transition toward a renewable energy-powered grid. With Tesla Electric’s forthcoming launch in the United Kingdom, the company takes another stride toward achieving its mission of accelerating the global adoption of sustainable energy practices.
