Designed to manage periods of peak energy demand through the collective energy-saving efforts of its members, Spike’s transformed the monotony of flicking off switches. Turning energy-efficiency into something fun and rewarding. In a recent survey, Spike members* revealed how the program’s influenced their relationship with energy and transformed their daily habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During SpikeHours<\/a>, which fall during peak times (when the strain is highest on the grid), participating Spike households<\/a> 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<\/a>. Let\u2019s take standby power<\/a> as an example; appliances left on standby and not turned off at the switch can account for at least 10% <\/a>of a household\u2019s 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<\/a> who regularly participate are seeing this pay off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re saving money on their household\u2019s electricity bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adopting energy saving habits<\/a> doesn\u2019t just save members money; it helps the environment too. Consider the energy-guzzling clothes dryer. According to carbon footprint expert, Mike Berners-Lee<\/a>, a load of laundry washed at 40\u00b0C 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\u2019s a massive difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2013 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<\/a> \u2013 so, to the 97% of members under thirty who feel participating in Spike is helping the environment, you\u2019re absolutely right!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, Spike is about helping the grid<\/a>. When people switch off for an hour during a SpikeHour they\u2019re doing their bit to minimise grid strain<\/a> and ensure stability to the network; But it\u2019s 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<\/a>. Younger members (84% of 18\u201324-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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But the biggest takeaway is that Spike members aren\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If more people can play, earn and save with Spike, imagine the difference we can make. Through collective energy saving<\/a> 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<\/a> \u2013 and that\u2019s pretty rewarding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not a Spike member but want to learn more?<\/p>\n\n\n\nDoing it for Mother Nature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The end goal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n