As neighbourhoods around the nation prepare for their Australia Day celebrations, Origin has shared a range of barbeque energy tips to help households ensure their party is a success.

Origin's Energy Advisor, Anne Armansin, said, "Nothing could be more Australian than getting the family and friends together for a lamb barbecue. This January, we expect to sell in excess of 15,000 gas cylinders - which will provide fuel for over 100,000 hours of barbecuing!"

Outdoor cooking enthusiasts have embraced the convenience of a Quick Swap service, where people can exchange any brand of standard portable barbecue cylinder for a full bottle.

"Many home chefs have no idea how much gas is in their existing bottle and run the risk of ruining the party by running out of gas (so to speak). Experienced gas users know you cannot tell how much gas is in the cylinder by shaking or tapping it, and this action could also damage the container.

"Instead, we recommend you apply 'The Simple Hot Water Test' which involves carefully pouring hot water down the side of the cylinder. Wait a few moments, then run your hand down the path of the water. The cylinder will feel cool to the touch at the level of the gas. Of course, we recommend adults perform this task and exercise caution when handling the hot water," said Anne.

"Budget-wise families are also keen to know how many cooking hours they will get from a full cylinder. This is also tricky to judge given there are so many different kinds of barbecues on the market so the answer will vary depending on the gas use and number of barbecue burners you plan to use."

Origin compared 20 different BBQs and found that the average range for cooking hours with the three common sizes of BBQs are as follows:

  • Small (1 or 2 burner) - 15 to 36 hours
  • Medium (4 or 5 burners) - 6 to 9 hours
  • Large (6 burner) - 4 to 5 hours

"We recommend that party planners or busy families with large BBQs who are planning several cooking sessions over the weekend, consider having a full backup cylinder cylinder on hand to avoid disappointment," advised Anne.

Origin's top tips to keep the gas flowing this Australia Day:

  • To check gas level in cylinder: carefully pour hot water down the side of the cylinder, then after a few moments, run your hand down the cylinder. It will feel cool to the touch at the level of the gas. Please use caution with hot water.
  • Check hoses and fittings are clean and in good condition
  • Check your gas connections are tight and use soapy water to check for leaks - if there are no bubbles the gas is securely connected; if bubbles appear refit and check again.
  • When finished, turn off gas cylinder nozzle first to expel excess gas from hose.

For further information please contact:

Media
Stuart Osbourne
Origin Energy
Ph: +61 3 9652 5781
Mobile: +61 427 586 401

About Origin Energy
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 5,800 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 approximately 5,900 MW of capacity, through either owned generation or contracted rights. 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.

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