Be sun smart…inside
Covering up from the sun doesn’t just apply to a day at the beach. Closing the blinds on hot days can make a world of difference, lowering the temperature of your home and your energy bill. Up to 76% of sunlight that falls onto a standard double-pane window converts into heat. Explore options like regular blinds, window tinting, and window awnings — anything that blocks the light will contribute to blocking heat. Properly ventilating your home with fans, making use of breezes and creating a cool draft through your house can significantly reduce the temperature.
Take advantage of the sun
It’s not just solar panels that can harness the sun at home. A simple yet effective way to reduce energy usage is line-drying clothes. For those that don’t have access to a clothesline, there are ways to make your machine drying more energy efficient. Start with choosing the most energy efficient dryer you can. Every dryer sold in Australia will come with a 1 to 5 star energy rating — with 1 being the least efficient and 5 being the most. Ensuring that your filter is clean after every use can lower energy usage as well, as blocked filters force the dryer to work harder to dry clothes, while turning up the spin cycle can lower energy usage overall.
Dryers are one of the thirstiest home appliances when it comes to energy usage, so removing them from daily use or improving their energy efficiency can significantly reduce your home’s energy expenditure. Unlock extra perks for your new energy-efficient appliance by exploring potential rebates in your state.
Cool smart
Your air-conditioning vs the Australian summer, the never-ending (and mostly one-sided) battle. Flicking on the air-con on the first hot day of summer can almost be a force of habit, but it also puts significant strain on the network. We know it’s nearly impossible to go without your air conditioner during those gruelling summer days. Still, using it only when necessary and setting your temperature to 24°C or above — each degree under that uses 5-10% more energy.
Get rewarded with Origin Spike
If you’re going to lower your energy usage, you can make the most of it with the added benefits of Origin Spike. Spike, our energy-saving rewards program, rewards you for lowering your usage through peak periods (Spike Hours).
Spike members that successfully reduce their energy use and meet their forecasts during SpikeHours are rewarded with Watts which can be redeemed for PayPal Cash or gift cards.
Understand load shedding and demand
When summer hits, so do the headlines about load shedding, network outages and the potential to be without power. Load shedding is what happens when the demand exceeds the supply, and energy distributors need to make the tough call to cut off power in some areas to prevent the whole network from shutting down. While load shedding might seem like a common occurrence in the news, it’s actually a last-resort measure. Excessive power usage or damaged network equipment due to storms, bushfires and cyclones can trigger load shedding. The National Electricity Market (NEM) is gearing up for this year’s unique challenges by increasing scheduled generation and boosting wind and solar generation compared to last year.
To stay informed about potential outages in your area, sign up for SMS alerts from your distributor or dive into our comprehensive load-shedding blog.
Be bushfire ready
Bushfires are an annual reality for many Australians, and this year is no exception. With early warnings for the 2023/24 bushfire season already issued, it’s essential to understand the potential impact on your power supply. During bushfires, electricity and natural gas may be shut down as a safety precaution. Stay connected with your local distributor for outage updates and explore our emergency page for information on navigating natural disasters that may disrupt the power network.
