Pull the plug on hungry appliances

It seems like a no-brainer but many of us often leave appliances on standby when we’re not at home, or away on holiday. While the day-to-day costs of power hungry appliances such as microwaves, TVs and washing machines might not seem high, turning them off at the switch when you’re away from the house for extended periods of time can quickly add up in savings.

In fact, standby power consumption can cost the average household between $104.07 and $176.99 per year. That’s a nice meal you and a friend could be enjoying by the hotel fireplace!

Invest in smart tech

Another great way to prepare for the break is to invest in smart devices such as smart plugs. Smart plugs can help identify areas and sources of high energy use, and allow users to remotely manage household devices or switch them off, with the click of a button.

Monitoring and adjusting appliances like air conditioning units – that might have accidentally been left on (yikes!) – or automating security sensor lights are just two examples of how smart plugs can help you save.

Get house guests up to speed

While many of us may be well versed in how to save energy within our own homes, house sitters might not be as savvy.

One way to ensure your energy use is low while you’re away is to educate house guests on the ins and outs of your home. Simple things like organising a walk through to explain how appliances work, or leaving a helpful checklist for when they leave the house or go to bed at night can keep energy use to a minimum.

For those wanting to go that one step further, why not consider getting the house sitter involved in SpikeHours? Educating them on the interactive nature of Spike and forwarding SpikeHour alerts is a great way to keep in touch and save.  

Those with solar can suggest helpful tips like having showers during the day or setting the washing to run during the middle of the day. Easy changes like these not only reduce the load on the energy grid but save you a dollar or two in the long run by using stored energy from the sun.

Switch off

Creating a list of energy guzzlers around the house in the lead up to your holiday, is a great way to remind yourself what to switch off before you walk out the door.

While we naturally gravitate towards flicking off light switches, have you ever considered other creative ways of saving, like switching off your hot water system while you’re not home? Turning off the hot water system, especially for those set up on timers, can help reduce unnecessary energy use and quickly contribute to savings. 

Other handy saving tips for extended holidays include challenging yourself to make use of what’s in the fridge. Not only does this save on grocery bills but means you can clear out the fridge and switch it off while you’re away.

For more energy saving fun your hip pocket will thank you for this holiday season, check out our Spike program and smart devices store now. 

Keen to find out more about becoming an Origin Spike member?

The post How to save energy at home while on holiday appeared first on The Origin Blog.

What you’ll need

For the garland

Oranges*
Twine or string

Utensils

Sharp knife
Paper towel
Baking paper
Baking trays
Cooling racks
Needle with a large eye (yarn needles are great)
Scissors

Method

Before SpikeHour

1. Preheat oven to 120 degrees Celsius. Slice oranges into rounds that are roughly half a centimetre thick.
2. Once you’ve sliced your orange, pat each slice dry with paper towel and arrange on a lined baking tray.
3. Bake your slices for three hours, flipping each hour to make sure they bake evenly. Once the edges are slightly browned, remove from oven and place on cooling racks. Set aside and allow the slices to dry completely for 2–3 days.

During SpikeHour

1. When your orange slices are dry, thread your needle with twine and begin stringing the slices on. Make sure you make a complete stitch through the orange slices: take the needle in one side of the flesh and out the opposite side. (We recommend horizontal stitches – in on the left and out on the right side of the flesh.) This ensures that the slices hang neatly on the twine/string.
2. Once you’ve got the length of garland you need, snip the twine/string and tie a knot in each end to prevent slices from slipping off. Leave enough string on either end to tie to your banister, around your Christmas tree or to affix to other garlands (for example pine or spruce).
3. Repeat the above to make as many garlands as you’d like!
4. To add an extra touch of festive joy, consider adding in some pieces of spruce or weaving some twinkle lights around your finished garland.

Note: Five orange slices will give you roughly 50cm of garland depending on how far apart you space them.

Want to get rewarded for saving energy?

Spike is our energy-saving rewards program. During periods of peak demand on the energy grid, we run regular SpikeHours where Spike members are encouraged to reduce their energy use and meet personalised energy-saving targets.

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. SpikeHours are also a great time to take up hobbies or simply bring out the arts and crafts. With dedicated hours set aside weekly to switch off devices – AKA distractions – it’s the perfect opportunity to save energy and try something new. 

The post How to make a dried orange garland appeared first on The Origin Blog.

For the dough:

4 cups plain flour
1 cup salt
1½ cups warm water

Utensils:

Spoon
Large mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
A straw
Baking tray

To decorate:

Acrylic paints
Paint brushes
Glitter
Ribbon or twine
Clear spray glaze or Mod Podge

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well until it begins to form a dough.

2. Take the dough out of the bowl and knead for at least 10 minutes. If your dough feels too dry, add in a little more water and continue kneading. Be careful not to add too much water or the dough will end up sloppy. Your dough should be smooth and roll out without many bumps – you should also be able to press your thumb into it. If your dough feels too firm, continue kneading a little longer.

3. Roll dough out until it’s roughly 1.5–2cms thick. Don’t make your dough too thick or it will take too long to dry.

4. Use assorted cookie cutters to cut out your shapes – we love snowflakes, stars, candy canes and gingerbread people! 

Tip: To make a handprint ornament, get your little one (or your fur baby) to press their hand (or paw) first and then cut around it with either a circle or heart shaped cutter.

5. Use a straw to make a hole for the ribbon at the top of your ornament. 

6. Place ornaments on a lined baking tray on the bench and let them airdry for 24 hours. This cuts down your baking time.

7. Do this step ahead of – or after – your SpikeHour. Preheat oven to 120°C for 10 minutes. Once preheated, pop your trays in the oven and bake for 1–2 hours. When the tops of your ornaments look dry and solid, flip them over to bake the underside. Baking time can vary depending on thickness – if yours still appear doughy after two hours, bake for another hour or so (keeping an eye on them to avoid burning them).  

Tip: If they’re taking too long to dry in the oven, let them finish by air drying them for a few more days. Be sure to flip them over so the bottoms also get exposed to air.

8. Once your ornaments are fully dried, it’s time to paint. Top your creations with glitter, glitter glue, puff paint – the sky’s the limit here! Let the kids’ imaginations run wild. If you’ve created a hand or paw print ornament, you may want to paint the handprint itself and sprinkle on some glitter.

Tip: If you want to add glitter to your pieces, paint them first and allow them to dry. Then apply some craft glue and sprinkle on the glitter.

9. After the paint’s dried on your ornaments, it’s time to seal them to make sure they last for many Christmases to come. Seal them by either painting on some Mod Podge or spraying them with a clear glaze. (Adults should always do this step.)

10. The last step is to tie a loop of ribbon or twine through the tops of your creations and find the perfect spot to hang them on the tree.

Want to get rewarded for saving energy?

Spike is our energy-saving rewards program. During periods of peak demand on the energy grid, we run regular SpikeHours where Spike members are encouraged to reduce their energy use and meet personalised energy-saving targets.

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. SpikeHours are also a great time to take up hobbies or simply bring out the arts and crafts. With dedicated hours set aside weekly to switch off devices – AKA distractions – it’s the perfect opportunity to save energy and try something new. 

The post How to make salt dough Christmas ornaments appeared first on The Origin Blog.

First thing’s first what is Spike?

Spike is our energy-saving rewards program. With Spike, you’ll be rewarded for meeting energy-saving goals during peak demand periods (we call these SpikeHours). Customers who sign up to Spike will be alerted via email or SMS whenever there’s an upcoming SpikeHour, giving them the option to participate. During a SpikeHour members are challenged to reduce their energy usage by making simple tweaks to how they use energy – like turning off lights, delaying a load of washing or adjusting the temperature on their heater/air conditioner. 

Every watt of power you save during a Spike event turns into currency you can then redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards from a range of retailers (including Kmart, Myer, Woolworths and Bunnings).  

How do I join a SpikeHour?

Previously, your participation in scheduled SpikeHours happened automatically when you signed up to Spike, but now you’ll need to opt-in. Simply click or tap the link in the email or SMS you receive about an upcoming SpikeHour and you’re in! We’ve made this change so SpikeHours work around your life and its important moments. And, if you choose not to participate, no worries – we’ll freeze your streak until the next SpikeHour.

What are smart devices?

Put simply, smart devices are clever appliances that have the ability to communicate with other wireless devices around your home. They offer the ability to control a range of different appliances – like home theatre systems, lighting and power points – remotely, often via your smart phone with an app. You can even set up schedules or queues to get the most out of them – think turning the AC down to a specific setting when it’s a certain time (or even temperature outside). 

What do smart devices have to do with Spike?

A lot! On top of adopting energy-saving habits and switching off energy vampires, integrating smart devices in your home to automate and monitor energy usage, can help you consume less energy overall – and increase your chances of earning Watts during SpikeHours. 

Spike members can automate energy savings by connecting their own smart devices, like TP-Link smart plugs and Sensibo Sky thermostats, via My Account. And once connected, we can request permission via SMS to remotely manage registered smart devices during a SpikeHour, meaning you can sit back, relax and enjoy your SpikeHour – instead of running around the house switching everything off. 

Smart devices we love for saving energy

Smart plugs and power strips

Smart plugs and power strips let you control individual appliances remotely. By turning off non-essential devices during SpikeHours, you can significantly reduce standby power consumption. Smart plugs can be scheduled or controlled through their apps, making energy management simple. 

Smart appliances

If you have a washing machines or dishwasher with smart features, you might also be able to time when they run. This means you can easily schedule that load to run outside of a Spike event. By delaying energy-intensive tasks until after SpikeHours, you can reduce your energy consumption when the grid is under the most strain – and get rewarded for it.

Energy monitoring devices

Energy monitors can be a valuable tool to help understand the way you use energy as a household. These devices are great for providing real-time insights, helping you identify which appliances are the most energy hungry. Helping you make informed decisions on which appliances to turn off during SpikeHours. As a bonus, they can also help you develop more energy-savvy habits over the long term. 

Five sure-fire ways to get the most out of your smart devices

1. Plan ahead: use smart devices to schedule energy-intensive tasks outside of SpikeHours. 
2. Stay informed: Keep an eye on notifications about upcoming SpikeHours. 
3. Automate your home: Set routines that automatically adjust your energy usage during SpikeHours. 
4. Monitor and adjust: use energy monitoring devices to track your consumption and identify areas for improvement 
5. Engage the household: encourage everyone in your home to participate in energy-saving efforts.  

Ready to get rewarded for saving energy?  

The post How to make your SpikeHours smarter appeared first on The Origin Blog.

What is Spike?

Spike is our energy-saving rewards program. During periods of peak demand on the energy grid, we run regular SpikeHours where Spike members are encouraged to reduce their energy use and meet personalised energy-saving targets.

Spike members that successfully reduce their energy use and meet their forecasts during Spike Hours are rewarded with SpikePoints which can be redeemed for PayPal Cash or gift cards.

SpikeHours are also a great time to take up hobbies or simply bring out the arts and crafts. With dedicated hours set aside weekly to switch off devices – AKA distractions – SpikeHours present the perfect opportunity to save energy and try something new. 

You’ve heard of paint and sip, how about paint and save?

Being crafty doesn’t have to be confined to photo collages from magazines or helping the kids with paper mache. Simple things like giving your old indoor pot plant a makeover or even adding a homey touch to your entryway can be small but fun ways to refresh the home and keep your energy use low during SpikeHours. So, next time the call goes out to reduce energy and help the grid, consider adding a fresh lick of paint here and a personal touch there! 

Not sure where to start? Why not download a YouTube tutorial like this one and start creating the next piece for your home.

Take a walk down memory lane

It’s no question the physical photo albums many of us had growing up have quickly been replaced by Instagram and thousands of photos hoarded on your smartphone. But while times have changed, the thoughtfulness behind photo albums remains the same. And, in the spirit of the 90s being back in vogue (cue butterfly hair clips), we figure it’s time to bring them back!

Perhaps it’s a photo wall of polaroids decorated with some energy-efficient battery-powered fairy lights, or a mini photo album as a gift to a special person of all the fun times you had together. Either way, creating physical copies of your favourite memories in a gift form or just for yourself, is a great way to spend SpikeHours and reminisce along the way.

Time for a yarn

With temperatures dropping, energy-savvy ways for fighting off the chill are top of mind. Thankfully, we’ve got just the thing to make the most of your SpikeHours and provide that extra layer of warmth; knitting!

Knitting can be wrongly dismissed as daggy or something your grandma used to do, but we assure you, it’s quite the opposite. A perfect winter hobby, knitting has quickly become popular once more thanks to vintage trends. Think oversized sweaters, large woven blankets for cuddling up in, or cute knitted creatures for kids, the list – and yarn – is endless. Better yet, pop on a playlist and get your friends, family or housemates involved and host a knitting night-in.

What’s your vision?

Arts and craft activities such as vision boards are a great way to make the most of time off devices by manifesting and visualising goals you hope to accomplish. Simply cut out, print off or glue on images or text to a blank canvas that helps motivate you to work towards your goal.

Not sure where to start? The sky’s the limit with a good vision board. Perhaps it’s putting together your 6-12 month plan, visualising what that next promotion looks like, or stepping out your savings goals to book your dream holiday. For inspo to get your creative juices flowing, check out this vision board tutorial.

Want to get involved?

Find out how you can start getting rewarded for saving energy today!

The post Crafty ways to spend SpikeHours appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Wait, what’s Spike?

Spike’s our energy-saving rewards program. With Spike, you’ll be rewarded for meeting energy-saving goals during peak demand periods (we call these SpikeHours). Every watt of power you save in a Spike event turns into currency you can then redeem for PayPal cash and gift cards – which you could spend on a fresh pair of fluffy slippers. Or maybe a ridiculously soft, hand-knitted throw. Whatever’s on your wish list, you’ll be saving money on your energy bills and treating yourself to enticing goodies this winter.

Chomp it like it’s hot

Want to get hot without the heater during SpikeHour? It’s time to get your laughing gear around some hot heat. Whatever’s on the menu – curries, noodles or straight up Carolina Reaper, get your temperature rising with a chilli dish that’s hotter than a hot one. On a Scoville scale of 1 to 10, this creative way of warming up will have you screaming – ‘It’s getting hot in herrre’.

Speaking of, why not curate a heat-inducing Spotify playlist, or give ours a listen, to warm you up on the coldest days of the year. That way, you’ll ward off the pesky cold, bust a sick move, and be one moonwalk closer to beating your Spike forecast. 

Grab a (hot) dog

Dogs, they’re essentially hot water bottles. Especially during cold, winter moments. Why? These hairy hug monsters are natural heaters. Whilst they provide endless hours of affection, they’re also excellent givers of warmth. So, grab a hot pug, some hot Uggs, and get snug on the couch. Who needs to crank up the heater when you can pet the one you have? Wait, what’s that you say? Don’t have a dog? You could always knit one. A Pomeranian with pompoms…

Don’t trifle with my layers

Summer is about hanging out at the beach. Winter is about fashion. There’s one trend that’s always in season – layering. Layering can be a real fashion flex, and a great way to save energy during Spike Hour. Currently, a twelve-year-old boy in America knows this better than anyone. Why? He holds the Guinness World Record for “most jumpers worn at once”. Perhaps this SpikeHour, you can surpass his feat and beat him? 30 layers, seems doable (and totally reasonable), and an easy way to warm up without your heater.

If you think you can get higher on the layer ladder, and like saving money (although you might need to hop down to the op shop to grab a bundle of jumpers) then this energy-saving activity could be a great one to do with your mates next SpikeHour.

Get knit-fit

With winter truly here, it’s time to get knitting. And there’s one person who can teach you, Nan – nobody knits like nans do. Or do they? This is your chance to take up the knitting needles, and embrace a challenge. Whilst you might have to sit through unsolicited life advice, or old-timey stories, or outdated political views – it’s well worth it. Can’t hit up your Nan? Hit up this link for a beginner’s tutorial. Beanie, scarf, jumper, blanket, they’re all possible with a couple of knitting needles and some balls of yarn. So, this SpikeHour, why not knit yourself, or your loved ones, something fuzzy?

Love a good yarn?

Rugging up is one of the most enjoyable feelings of winter. It’s a real #mood to whip out a warm scarf, or a woolly beanie, and get cosy. Australian-owned clothing companies specialising in snuggly winter products, like Humphrey Law, are adopting more sustainable business practices. Some have installed solar panels that completely power their factory, and provide energy for all their dyeing machines. Which means solar scarves to cover your neck. And solar socks to cover your toes.

One rug to rule them all

In the words of Jeff Lebowski, a great rug has the power to “tie a room together”. But, more importantly, rugs are an excellent, energy-efficient way to keep a room warm by insulating it. But take note: there are a few essential things to look for when purchasing the right rug. Firstly, make sure the material is conducive to cocooning and containing the heat. A rug woven from wool is a superlative choice for sufficient insulation. Secondly, as with any insulation, the thicker the rug, the better. Like a hairy dad at the local pool.

Last but not least; size matters. The larger your rug, the larger the surface area. The larger the surface area, the better it will insulate. Although, if you don’t have a massive magical carpet rug, fear not. You could always arrange a collection of smaller rugs to combine forces, and create the ultimate snug rug.

Shack up like Shackleton

An outrageous ensemble shouldn’t be solely reserved for themed birthday parties. Go through your wardrobe, have a dig in your clothes drawers, and host an arctic exhibition at home. Don your thickest jumper, parkas and ski clothes, and imagine yourself as a pioneering, Arctic explorer, like Ernest Shackleton, traversing through piles of glacial pillows. Think fur coats, scarves, beanies – anything to stay warm and keep the heater off to earn those bountiful Spike points. Aye, aye captain. 

Get cosy by candlelight

Candles. Often found in Christmas stockings or at country fairs. They smell great, calm the mood, and illuminate spaces. But they also conserve energy. In a way that’s straight out of the Casanova-book-of-romance. Instead of flicking on the light switch, strike a match. Light a candle. It’s an instant mood enhancer, and an excellent way to increase the vibe, and decrease your energy bill. Oh, and spark some incense to take it up a notch.

Get energised to minimise

Remember those retro aerobic videos? The ones that would greet you at 7AM featuring fitness trainers wearing fluorescent spandex leotards and knee-high knitted leg warmers. Well, whilst some of that fashion can go, the indoor workouts (and leg warmers) can stay. Because regular exercise and maintaining your physical health is a sure way to get your body temperature rising. It can also lead to reduced anxiety, increased focus, and improved sleep. You could say, an overall boosted state of mind. Which is a win for you. And during peak energy hours it’s also good for your energy bill. Which is a win for the grid. Now, what a wonderful win-win this winter.

Not yet a Spike member but keen to get involved?

The post Creative ways to spend a SpikeHour this winter appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Remind me, what’s SpikeHour?

Spike’s our energy-saving rewards program. With Spike, you get points for hitting your energy-saving goals (forecasts) during peak times (SpikeHours). You can then redeem your SpikePoints for PayPal cash and gift cards – which you could spend on summer entertaining goodies like punch bowls and fancy champagne flutes. Or maybe you could upgrade your BBQ gear. Whatever’s on your wish list, you’ll be saving money on your energy bills and treating yourself to enticing goodies this summer.

How to make a grazing board

1. Start with the hero

Where to begin? With the star of the platter, of course – cheese!

When it comes to cheese, it’s best to opt for a mixture of textures with at least one soft and one hard cheese. There are endless options and combinations, but Brie, Camembert and Fromager d’Affinois are our go-tos when it comes to soft cheese. Gouda, aged cheddar and Gruyère are always a hit down the hard end of the spectrum.

If you’re adventurous, consider throwing a blue cheese like English Stilton or gorgonzola into the mix.

2. Add your meats

Once you’ve settled on your cheeses and placed them on the board, it’s time to add in some mouth-watering selections from the deli.

Salami, prosciutto and mortadella are staples on charcuterie boards for a reason, so if in doubt these are great to add to your platter. If you feel like venturing outside the usual fare, try pâté, terrine or plant-based deli meats.

3. Take a dip (or two)

So, you’ve got the meats down – now it’s onto a favourite, dip!

There are too many dips to list, but crowd pleasers include humble Hummus, Greek Tzatziki, spicy capsicum and blue cheese dip with fig and pistachios! It’s great to include a fresh option as well as a luscious creamy dip to help cater to a wide range of tastes.

4. Pepper in some produce

Now it’s time to showcase some produce by adding in some vegetables, fruits and pickled items. Pickled produce like baby cucumbers, onions and bell peppers help add zing to the board, while additions like grilled eggplant and artichokes add a hint of sophistication. Family favourites are sundried or semi-dried tomatoes, stuffed bell peppers and olives.

Finish off this section by showcasing some fruit like fresh figs, dried apricots, grapes, kiwi fruit or fresh berries. When it comes to produce, the supermarket aisles can provide a surprising amount of inspiration!

5. Crunch time

Texture is everything, visually and taste-wise – crunch adds body to your board.

Start with a staple – crackers! There are loads of options from water thins, wafer crackers and lavosh to breadsticks and crostini. Once you’ve got the ‘base’ sorted, get creative. Add in elements like pistachios, macadamias, peanuts or pretzels.

Bring it all together with some freshness by adding carrot and cucumber sticks.

Love carbs? Consider adding some denser options like slices of olive loaf, baguette or other artisan breads. This is a great way to bulk out the board and keep your guests fuller for longer.

6. Sugar, yes please!

Most people love a little something sweet after a savoury bite, so to keep the sweet tooths satisfied add a sprinkle of delectable treats.

Suggestions include chocolate-covered pretzels, bite-sized chocolates like Freddo frogs and Ferrero Rochers, slabs of nougat, truffles, musk sticks, chocolate-covered coffee beans, macarons and choc-dipped strawberries. Stroll down the supermarket candy aisle with an open mind and you’ll find plenty of options.

7. Finishing touches

You’re almost done, it’s time to add some final touches to elevate your platter.

Finish off your creation by sprinkling on some edible flowers, sprigs of rosemary or thyme, broccolini flowers or even some native gum leaves.

Want to earn rewards for switching off?

Join our energy saving rewards program Spike! It’s free, fun and a great way to adopt new energy-saving habits.

The post Use SpikeHour to up your grazing board game appeared first on The Origin Blog.

You might have heard of Spike, our energy-saving reward program. Launched in August 2020, Spike’s grown to a community of more than 80,000 Aussies who are committed to adopting energy-saving habits and reducing their impact on the grid – helping create a cleaner future.  

Since the introduction of the program, we’ve awarded more than $3.1 million worth of points to our community, given away a Tesla Model 3 to one savvy energy saver through the Spike Championship, and hosted loads of energy-saving competitions giving away more than 30 prizes. 

Keen to keep things fresh, fun and easy for Spike members, we’ve been working hard over the last few months to make some cool enhancements to the program, including changes to some game mechanics (we’ll be introducing special automated events for smart devices!) and the introduction of a swish new dashboard. 

What can members look forward to?

The new look and features will make participation simpler and more satisfying, with the introduction of a Rewards Marketplace.  Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect: 

More ways to be rewarded

Instead of points, you’ll earn Watts. Put simply every watt of power you save in a Spike event turns into currency you can redeem at the Rewards Marketplace for things like PayPal cash, gift cards, and discounted devices. Plus, when you successfully beat a SpikeHour, you’ll automatically receive an entry into our monthly Prize Draw, plus a spin on our Prize Wheel; where every time you spin, you win!

Simpler energy saving

New AutoSpike events allow connected smart plugs and devices to be automatically powered down to start saving energy, meaning you can earn Watts without needing to lift a finger! 

A new user friendly dashboard

Your home screen will display a summary of your streak status (how many consecutive Spike events you’ve participated in), Watts balance, upcoming energy events and connected devices. Better yet, we’ve added tabs categorised by events, rewards, devices and referrals to help you get where you want to go, quicker.  

When will it be ready?

The new look experience should be up and running in the next few weeks! Keep an eye out on our Instagram account for updates. 

Not yet a Spike member but keen to learn more? 

The post Spike gets a makeover appeared first on The Origin Blog.

A little goes a long way

During SpikeHours, which fall during peak times (when the strain is highest on the grid), participating Spike households rally to reduce their energy use by turning off heating or cooling, putting off a load of washing, or giving the TV a break. While these actions may seem small, they can go a long way towards bill savings. Let’s take standby power as an example; appliances left on standby and not turned off at the switch can account for at least 10% of a household’s electricity use. Meaning that by simply turning off unused appliances, you could shave 10% off your electricity bill. And after two years of the program running, Spike members who regularly participate are seeing this pay off. 

When we asked members what benefits the program offers, beyond earning points and rewards, a resounding 85% of respondents shared that they feel more in control of their energy use, while a further 87% said they feel like they’re saving money on their household’s electricity bill.

Doing it for Mother Nature

Adopting energy saving habits doesn’t just save members money; it helps the environment too. Consider the energy-guzzling clothes dryer. According to carbon footprint expert, Mike Berners-Lee, a load of laundry washed at 40°C and line-dried creates 0.7kg of CO2e. Whereas a load washed at the same temperature but tumble-dried in a vented dryer, creates 2.4kg of CO2e. That’s a massive difference. 

In our survey, 76% of respondents revealed they save energy by not using the clothes dryer (yay!), while an additional 80% avoid the dishwasher, and 85% avoid the washing machine. Think of all those carbon emissions being saved – and think of how much more can be saved if more people joined in? All of these actions make a big contribution to a cleaner future – so, to the 97% of members under thirty who feel participating in Spike is helping the environment, you’re absolutely right!

The end goal

Ultimately, Spike is about helping the grid. When people switch off for an hour during a SpikeHour they’re doing their bit to minimise grid strain and ensure stability to the network; But it’s clear from these survey results the program delivers more than that. It offers fresh and fun ways to reduce energy, helps people feel more empowered, and rewards people for adopting more sustainable habits. Younger members (84% of 18–24-year-olds) even report that joining and taking part in Spike has made it easier to have conversations about energy use in their household since joining.  

But the biggest takeaway is that Spike members aren’t just making a difference during SpikeHours. It seems that SpikeHour rituals have become habit, with 81% of members revealing they’ve changed the way they use energy around the house all the time now, helping to manage consumption and reduce their bills. 

If more people can play, earn and save with Spike, imagine the difference we can make. Through collective energy saving and shifting energy use to times of the day when energy like solar is in full force, we create a more stable network and more sustainable future – and that’s pretty rewarding. 

Not a Spike member but want to learn more?

The post Life’s more rewarding with Spike appeared first on The Origin Blog.