Laughing Gas!

FRINGE LAUGHTER ENOUGH TO POWER A HOME IN EDINBURGH FOR FIVE DAYS

 –        New research reveals how much energy is used through laughter

–        Laughing for an hour is the equivalent to burning 100 Calories, this is the energy equivalent to powering a hot shower for more than 40 minutes, according to Scottish Gas smart meter data

–        Laughter from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival would provide the same amount of energy as powering homes across Edinburgh, says Scottish Gas’ Smart Energy Expert

Scottish Gas has revealed that laughter created at our favourite Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows would provide the energy equivalent to powering the average home in Edinburgh for almost five days!

This study is part of Scottish Gas’ smart meter campaign, helping to get more of the capital’s households to benefit from seeing how much energy they’re using in their homes in pounds and pence.

Incredibly, the average person uses an estimated 100 Calories when laughing for an hour. Scottish Gas’ smart meter data shows this would be the energy equivalent to powering a hot shower for more than 40 minutes. But how much laughter could a crowd of thousands generate?

This year’s Fringe saw 2,475,143 ticket sales across 50,266 shows, over 25 days. With 34% of these shows purely focused on comedy, Scottish Gas has calculated that 84,154,800 Calories would be used through giggles, hoots and chuckles and would be enough to power the average home in Edinburgh for almost five days.

A full snapshot of Edinburgh’s laughter energy:

• Laughter from the Fringe used the same amount of energy as it would take to power the TV for 74 days
• The total amount of Fringe laughter used the same energy as powering one light bulb for 175 days
• Fringe laughter used the same amount of energy as using the oven for a total of 269 days

Scottish Gas Smart Energy Expert, Stephen Cosgrove, installs smart meters in homes across Edinburgh and commented: “With so many people having a chuckle at their favourite Fringe shows, it’s interesting to see how the energy from all this laughing could power an average home.

“We know that keeping on top of your own household energy usage might be the last thing on your mind when you’re out and about. However, there are some simple ways you can be smarter with your energy use.

“Make sure you don’t leave multiple appliances running if you’re not using them, or if you’re heading out. If you get fed up of watching your favourite comedians on TV, make sure to turn it off, rather than leaving it on standby.

“It’s also worth considering smart meters. The great thing about them is that they come with a smart energy monitor, which shows how much energy you’re using in pounds and pence.”

“Smart meters also send accurate readings to us, if you’re a Scottish Gas customer, which means an end to estimated bills.”

To find out more about smart meters, visit: www.scottishgas.co.uk/smart