Tesla will soon be launching a retail electricity business in Texas, with plans to expand into other markets in the future, according to a new job posting published on the company’s careers website.
According to the job posting, Tesla is seeking a Product Operations Manager, Retail Electricity, a position which will be based at the company’s headquarters in Austin.
The job description says the successful candidate will be “will support the launch and growth of a new electricity retailer in the Texas market.”
“This Product Operations Manager will be central to the success of Tesla’s emerging Electricity Retail business. This person will support the launch and growth of a new electricity retailer in the Texas market. This person will be responsible for managing retail electricity products, administering the customer portfolio, coordinating customer support, and tracking financial performance,” the job posting reads.
While Tesla has confirmed they plan to enter the retail electricity sector in Texas, they are not stopping there. The job description goes on further to say that with the experience gained from launching in Texas, the Product Operations Manager will also help with expansion into other markets.
“The Product Operations Manager will focus initially on the Texas market, growing the business, and the team. This role will also contribute to innovation in electricity retail offerings and expansion into future markets, as well as driving improved retail operations in the US and globally.” (via Electrek)
This venture into the retail electricity sector comes after Tesla Energy Ventures was approved by the Texas Public Utility Commission last year to “provide electric service throughout the area served by ERCOT,” or the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.
According to application documents, Tesla Energy Ventures will use employees from Tesla’s Energy division to complete sales and provide customer service. The application also noted the new company will work with Engie Energy Marketing on scheduling.
Tesla has also been working behind the scenes, lobbying to change several energy market rules for Tesla to deploy its energy products to the state. This includes being able to add Megapacks at the utility level and making it easier for residents who have Powerwalls and solar to participate in the energy market.
The company has also been working with the Texas Public Utility Commission and ERCOT to get a pilot Virtual Power Plant (VPP) approved.
