Advertising references

We're helping Sydney Opera House become more sustainable.

By providing Sydney Opera House with 10% GreenPower for 12 months until August 2012, we’ll make the same difference to the environment as planting 2,522 trees*.

Turning off appliances at the wall

The standby power savingsas are based on estimated savings achievable by turning appliances that consume standby power off at the wall when not in use instead of leaving them on. Examples include: networked computer and entertainment equipment, appliances that are waiting to be turned on via remote control and appliances consuming energy while not performing their primary function i.e. microwave ovens LED display when not in use. Energy saving calculations are based on 830kWh per year being saved, as determined by the Energy Efficient Strategies report 2011 ‘Intrusive Surveys 2010 – Key appliance Findings’, Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. Total standby power consumption based on results of average household surveyed in 2010/11 - actual savings achieved will vary per household.

Heating and Cooling

Calculations are based on estimated energy savings of.25 kW per hour achievable by modified use of a correctly sized 3 – 4 kW reverse cycle air conditioner with an average rated input of 1.3 kW. Suggested usage behaviour modification - adjust set thermostat temperatures by 2°C (i.e. from 22°C to 24°C in summer and from 22°C to 20°C in winter). Reverse cycle air conditioner/heat pump penetration in each state; NSW 78%, Vic 42%, Qld 70%, SA 59%. For Victoria estimates also include Gas fuelled heating. Example unit is assumed to be used for approximately 7 hours each day on days maximum temperatures are 30°C or higher (except Brisbane - 28°C or higher), and minimum daily temperatures 10°C or lower (except Brisbane - 12°C or lower). Time and average number of days used per year are based on daily Bureau of Meteorology data for Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide from March 2006 – February 2011. Calculations split on a state by state basis. NB. Brisbane calculations differ due to variation in insulation of housing stock and high levels of humidity (ABS 4602 - 2008

How kW savings are quantified as savings

Dollar savings based on average peak domestic electricity pricing for each state current August 2011 and inclusive of GST and supply charges

NB: This work is to be used as an example of estimated annual savings achievable using simple energy efficiency measures

References include:

• Energy rating 
• Australian Bureau of Statistics 
• Bureau of Meteorology 
• Regulatory pricing information

At Origin, we've put a lot of energy into researching electrical appliances and we've found that many have hidden costs. Appliances left on standby can set the average household back by around $180 a yearˆ. In fact, all together, Australians waste more than $1 billion at home on standby power every 12 monthsˆ*. So remember, switch it off at the wall and start saving.

The greenhouse gas emissions saved from switching the average Australian household's# electricity for one year to 100% GreenPower is like taking a car off the road for 21 monthsˆ.

The greenhouse gas emissions saved from switching the average Australian household's# electricity for one year to 25% Origin GreenPower is like taking a car off the road for 5 monthsˆ.

We published an article in Outlook Winter 2011 that explains where the money goes when a customer pays their electricity bills with Origin. The split between Distributor, Generator, Retailer, and in the case of New South Wales, Green Schemes, differs from state to state.

When comparing your current energy rates with those of other energy retailers, you're best going to your State Government's independent electricity rate comparator website.

Queensland Competition Authority (QCA)

• http://www.qca.org.au/comparator/ 

Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of NSW

• http://www.myenergyoffers.nsw.gov.au/ 

Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA)

• http://www.escosa.sa.gov.au/ 

Essential Services Commission (ESC) of Victoria

• http://www.yourchoice.vic.gov.au/ 

An article in the Spring 2011 edition of Business Life explains to businesses in New South Wales where their money goes (between the Distributor, the Generator, and the Retailer) when they pay their electricity bill.

This information came from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal's (IPART) report, "Reviewing electricity price increases for 1 July 2011 ", which was published online in February 2011.

At every 2011 Toyota AFL Finals Series game, Origin will match 100% of the estimated electricity used with accredited GreenPower.

This will reduce carbon emissions by around 790 tonnes, which is equivalent to more than 1,000 average Aussie homes not using electricity for a month*.

Calculation basics:

• All calculations are made assuming appliances are sized, used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
• Calculations are based on typical appliances used in an average sized three bedroom brick house, two bedroom apartment or small office.
• Electricity use is measured in kilowatt hours by the meters at your home.
• The formula for energy consumption is 1000 Watts operating for one hour = 1 kilowatt hour (kWh).
• Calculations for savings on the cost of electricity are based on analysis of consumption data we have and electricity tariff pricing (including GST and supply charges) for each state current at 1st August 2010.
• Greenhouse gas emission factors are current at 1st July 2010.
• All calculations are to be used as a guide only and have been represented in good faith to assist you make your home more energy efficient.

Notes and sources:

• Some appliances are designed to be controlled by thermostats and cycle on and off. They include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, ovens, electric cooktops, hot water systems, heaters. It is important that these appliances be sized, used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer instructions as inefficient thermostat settings, stressed, or faulty units can consume considerably more energy than necessary. www.energyrating.gov.au 
• Australian Bureau of Statistics Report No. 4602.0.55.001 March 2008 , 2005, 1994.
• Department of Climate Change (Australian Government), "National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors", July 2010 available at http://www.climatechange.gov.au/publications/greenhouse-acctg/national-greenhouse-factors.aspx