Origin Energy : Avoid scoring an own goal with your energy bill this World Cup

World Cup fever is in the air and for football fans that means many sleep-deprived, late nights glued to the TV trying to stay warm and awake.

But for those watching two live games late into the night, the estimated 128 additional hours1 of TV viewing plus extra heating, use of kettles, coffee machines and mobile devices doesn't have to result in an own goal with your energy bills.

"There are some simple things householders can do to ensure they stay warm, stay energised and stay within budget during the 2014 FIFA World Cup," says Origin's Energy Expert, Anne Armansin.

It may be warm in Brazil - but it is getting colder in Australia, with all the games occurring in the middle of the night when the temperature is at its lowest. Some simple tips for staying warm without blowing the budget:

• Rug up in your football jumper, a scarf and slippers Heat yourself before you heat the room - an electric throw rug will only cost you around $6 to use through the duration of the Cup.2
• If you must use a heater - don't go for the portable electric kind, they chew through energy. It will cost you nearly double to heat a room with an electric heater (around $67)3 than it would with a gas heater (around $37)4 for the duration of the Cup.
• A close game is a good game, so if watching the game with friends or family, sit close to them - body heat is a cheap and easy way to keep yourself and the room warm!
• Keep the heat in - shut any curtains and blinds, and close off the room you're in.

• If the light from the TV doesn't provide enough mood lighting for you, use compact fluorescent or LED globes in floor or table lamps. They use much less energy than standard 50 Watt halogen down lights, which could cost you up to $30 if kept on during the matches5. By comparison a compact fluorescent lamp will only set you back around $6 during the same period.

• If you're in the market for a new TV, or weighing up whose house to watch the game at, the latest in LED technology is the way to go. Plasmas cost more than double to run than the same sized LED version, and LCD's aren't much better, being only slightly cheaper than today's Plasmas.

• When making warm drinks, remember to only fill the kettle with the water you intend to use each time. Heating more water than you need is wasteful.
• Alternatively, boil the kettle once and fill a thermos - it not only saves your own energy from having to get up every half an hour...but saves on your energy bills too.

For those not planning to give up precious hours of sleep to watch the early morning games, you can still get involved. Some less energy-intensive and more sleep-friendly options include watching live matches, highlights, news and post-mortems online on your smart phone or tablet from the warmth of your bed or when the sun has already risen!

For more energy efficient tips during the World Cup or any other time of year, why not #AskAnne on Twitter or visit www.origin.com.au

1. Based on watching 128 hours of football (2 hours per game x 64 games)
2. Based on using the appliance for 128 hours throughout the tournament
3. Based on a 240 Watt heater running for 128 hours
4. Based on a 11 MJ unit running for 128 hours
5. Based on 2 x 50 Watt lights vs. 1 x 20 CFL used for 128 hours

Origin Energy (ASX: ORG) is the leading Australian integrated energy company focused on gas and oil exploration and production, power generation and energy retailing. A member of the S&P/ASX 20 Index, the company has more than 6,000 employees and is a leading producer of gas in eastern Australia. Origin is Australia's largest energy retailer servicing 4.3 million electricity, natural gas and LPG customer accounts and has the country's largest and one of the most flexible generation portfolios with 6,010 MW of capacity. Origin's strategic positioning and portfolio of assets provide flexibility, stability and significant opportunities for growth across the energy industry. Through Australia Pacific LNG, its incorporated joint venture with ConocoPhillips and Sinopec, Origin is developing one of Australia's largest CSG to LNG projects based on Australia's largest 2P CSG reserves base.

In New Zealand, Origin is the major shareholder in Contact Energy, the country's leading integrated energy company, operating geothermal, thermal and hydro generation facilities and servicing electricity, gas and LPG customers across both the North and South islands. Origin also operates several oil and gas projects in New Zealand and is one of the largest holders of petroleum exploration acreage in the country.

Origin has a strong focus on ensuring the sustainability of its operations, is the largest green energy retailer in Australia and has significant investments in renewable energy technologies.