But how much energy does all this activity actually take up? British Gas research has revealed just how much energy we use to play that nation’s favourite sports. The research is part of British Gas’ smart meter campaign, helping to get more households in Newcastle to benefit from seeing how much energy they’re using in pounds and pence.
Rugby tops the list, with the average person using 612 Calories during just one hour’s worth of participation. British Gas’ smart meter data shows this would be the equivalent to heating the average home in Newcastle with central heating for around 90 minutes.
Following the popularity of this summer’s Euro and Wimbledon tournaments, in close second and third are football and tennis, each using 408 Calories for an hour’s worth of play. According to British Gas smart meter data, this is the equivalent to running a hot shower for at least three hours.
A full snapshot of the nation’s favourite sports*, and the energy used playing them:
Sport |
Energy equivalent per hour of exercise** (watts***) |
Calories burned per hours of exercise** |
| Rugby | 711 | 612 |
| Football | 475 | 408 |
| Tennis | 475 | 408 |
| Cricket | 316 | 272 |
| Golf | 276 | 238 |
A full snapshot of Newcastle’s sporting energy:
- Goggle-boxing: Playing cricket for an hour uses the same amount of energy as it would take to power the TV for five hours
- Hit the lights: Playing golf for one hour uses the same energy as powering one light bulb for four hours
- Shake and bake: Rugby uses the same amount of energy as baking six hours’-worth of snacks in the oven, perfect for cheat day!
British Gas Smart Energy Expert, Tony Sansom, installs smart meters in homes across Newcastle and commented: “With so many families out and about and enjoying playing or watching sports this summer, it’s incredible to see how the energy used keeping active could power the average household.
“We know that keeping on top of your own household energy usage might be the last thing on your mind during summer. However, there are some simple ways you can be smarter with your energy use this summer.
“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 sports 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 British Gas customer, which means an end to estimated bills.”
To find out more about smart meters, visit: www.britishgas.co.uk/smart