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But first, how do SpikeHours work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A SpikeHour is a window of time when demand on the energy grid is high; like in the evenings when everyone\u2018s finished work and school for the day and are using more energy to run errands and stay entertained. For example, firing up the oven for dinner, putting on a load of washing and turning on the TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a SpikeHour, members can earn Spike Points by simply reducing their energy use with small tweaks to their energy habits \u2013 like turning off appliances from the power point or adjusting the temperature of the air conditioner. The more energy you save, the more you\u2019re likely you are to beat your forecast and the more Spike Points you\u2019ll earn! You can then redeem your points for PayPal cash or gift cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had so much fun using Spike as a family. By turning each SpikeHour into a fun game that the girls get involved with, we\u2019ve taught them good energy habits and been rewarded along the way with Spike Points. We use SpikeHours as an opportunity to take part in energy-free activities, such as ditching the devices and heading outside to spend time with our chickens,\u201d said Olivia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\nSo, how does Olivia make the most of SpikeHours? <\/h2>\n\n\n\nHere are her top tips: <\/h3>\n\n\n\nSet timers and use smart plugs on devices<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Set timers and use smart plugs on devices<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This is a simple and very practical one. We invested in smart plugs to better understand how energy is being consumed around our home and which appliances are draining the most energy. We\u2019ve also connected smart devices to our Spike account so that our participation in SpikeHours is automated. We love setting timers \u2013 I get the girls to set them so that we\u2019re running energy-guzzling appliances like the dishwasher at off-peak times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Play board games or host game nights during SpikeHours<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This one is full of fun! Board games on a school night? It doesn’t get much better than that. To give the grid a break, we swap the TV for a game of Celebrity Heads. Spending this quality family time together is a bonus on top of earning our Spike Points. I promise more laughs and funny memories will come from a board game than mindlessly watching the TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cook dinner on the BBQ instead of in the kitchen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Who doesn’t love a barbie? Even in winter, we love cooking dinner on the BBQ, plus it gets the girls outside burning off last-minute energy in the garden before winding down for the night. Gas bottles don\u2019t use energy from the grid, so it\u2019s an easy (and tasty) alternative to cooking in the kitchen during a SpikeHour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Close doors and create ‘zones’ to keep the cool\/heat in<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t already do this one, you really need to try it. Lock the heat (or cool air in summer) into the main living area at night and keep the doors closed to the bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. This keeps the heat\/cool trapped in and reduces how long the split system needs to be on. It\u2019s become second nature in our family, with the girls loving the responsibility of ensuring all doors are closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read bedtime stories by torchlight and make it a fun activity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Before the girls nod off to sleep, we swap bedside lamps for a torch and read them a bedtime story. The girls love it so much, it has become our usual way to tell bedtime stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Want to join Olivia and her family, as well as the more than 60,000 other Aussie households using Spike? It\u2019s easy! To join Spike<\/a> all you need is a digital smart meter and to be an Origin customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n