{"id":18662,"date":"2023-06-15T16:47:52","date_gmt":"2023-06-15T06:47:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/?p=18662"},"modified":"2023-11-28T11:03:34","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T01:03:34","slug":"tips-to-help-you-beat-your-spikehours-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/tips-to-help-you-beat-your-spikehours-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Creative ways to spend a SpikeHour this&nbsp;winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"is-style-lead\">Winter truly has its grip on us and while it\u2019s frosty outside, there are some great ways to use less energy and earn rewards with our energy-saving rewards program, Spike. We\u2019ve pulled together some creative ways to spend your next SpikeHour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wait, what&#8217;s Spike?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spike\u2019s our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/12-tips-for-an-energy-efficient-home\/\">energy-saving<\/a> rewards program. With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/spike\/\">Spike<\/a>, you&#8217;ll be rewarded for meeting energy-saving goals during peak demand periods (we call these SpikeHours). Every watt of power you save in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/spike\/\">Spike event<\/a> turns into currency you can then redeem for PayPal cash and gift cards \u2013 which you could spend on a fresh pair of fluffy slippers. Or maybe a ridiculously soft, hand-knitted throw. Whatever\u2019s on your wish list, you\u2019ll be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/how-to-save-money\/\">saving money<\/a> on your energy bills and treating yourself to enticing goodies this winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chomp it like it&#8217;s hot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to get hot without the heater during<a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/spike\/\"> SpikeHour<\/a>? It\u2019s time to get your laughing gear around some hot heat. Whatever\u2019s on the menu \u2013 curries, noodles or straight up Carolina Reaper, get your temperature rising with a chilli dish that\u2019s hotter than a hot one. On a Scoville scale of 1 to 10, this creative way of warming up will have you screaming \u2013 \u2018It\u2019s getting hot in herrre\u2019. <br><br>Speaking of, why not curate a <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/02ymEbh2AXW0jDHqAvydQV?si=72ab4e1cf122435f\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">heat-inducing Spotify playlist<\/a>, or give ours a listen, to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/smart-ways-to-save-this-winter\/\">warm you up<\/a> on the coldest days of the year. That way, you\u2019ll ward off the pesky cold, bust a sick move, and be one moonwalk closer to beating your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/spike\/\">Spike forecast<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border-radius:12px\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/playlist\/02ymEbh2AXW0jDHqAvydQV?utm_source=generator\" width=\"100%\" height=\"380\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grab a (hot) dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs, they\u2019re 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\u2019re 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&nbsp;pet the one you have? Wait, what\u2019s that you say? Don\u2019t have a dog? You could always knit one. A Pomeranian with pompoms\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don&#8217;t trifle with my layers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Summer is about hanging out at the beach. Winter is about fashion. There\u2019s one trend that\u2019s always in season \u2013 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 \u201cmost jumpers worn at once\u201d. Perhaps this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/spike\/\">SpikeHour<\/a>, 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. <br><br>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/spike\/\">SpikeHour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get knit-fit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With winter truly here, it\u2019s time to get knitting. And there\u2019s one person who can teach you, Nan \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/change\/change07-get-nan-to-knit-you-a-blanket\/\">nobody knits like nans<\/a> 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 \u2013 it\u2019s well worth it. Can\u2019t hit up your Nan? Hit up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6dAE8o59Z8M\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">this link<\/a> for a beginner\u2019s tutorial. Beanie, scarf, jumper, blanket, they\u2019re all possible with a couple of knitting needles and some balls of yarn. So, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/spike\/\">SpikeHour<\/a>, why not knit yourself, or your loved ones, something fuzzy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Love a good yarn?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/5-tips-for-staying-cosy-this-winter\/\">Rugging up<\/a> is one of the most enjoyable feelings of winter. It\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humphreylaw.com.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Humphrey Law<\/a>, are adopting more sustainable business practices. Some have installed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/solar\/info\/\">solar panels<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One rug to rule them all<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the words of Jeff Lebowski, a great rug has the power to \u201ctie a room together\u201d. But, more importantly, rugs are an excellent, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/13-tips-for-an-energy-efficient-home\/\">energy-efficient<\/a> way to keep a room warm by insulating it. But take note: there are a few essential things to look for when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lWzKsI6hxXs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">purchasing the right rug<\/a>. 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. <br><br>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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shack up like Shackleton<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An outrageous ensemble shouldn\u2019t be solely reserved for themed birthday parties. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/moving-apartment-space-saving-hacks\/\">Go through your wardrobe<\/a>, 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 \u2013 anything to stay warm and keep the heater off to earn those bountiful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/spike\/\">Spike points<\/a>. Aye, aye captain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get cosy by candlelight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Candles. Often found in Christmas stockings or at country fairs. They smell great, calm the mood, and illuminate spaces. But they also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/13-tips-for-an-energy-efficient-home\/\">conserve energy<\/a>. In a way that\u2019s straight out of the Casanova-book-of-romance. Instead of flicking on the light switch, strike a match. Light a candle. It\u2019s an instant mood enhancer, and an excellent way to increase the vibe, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/helpful-tips-to-reduce-your-energy-bill\/\">decrease your energy bill<\/a>. Oh, and spark some incense to take it up a notch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get energised to minimise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s also good for your energy bill. Which is a win for the grid. Now, what a wonderful win-win this winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not yet a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/spike\/\">Spike member<\/a> but keen to get involved?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/spike\/\">Join Origin Spike today<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019ve pulled together some tips to help you snug up, and get rewarded, during your SpikeHours this&nbsp;winter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":18664,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[105],"tags":[47,96],"oe_author":[],"class_list":["post-18662","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-at-home","tag-energy-efficiency","tag-spike"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18662"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18662\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18662"},{"taxonomy":"oe_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oe_author?post=18662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}