How much Electricity (kwh) used by a single MacDonald's/Wendy's restaurant?

Question

I'm doing a science project on electricity consumption and fast food chains. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how much electricity a single restaurant (MacDonald's and/or Wendy's) uses per month/year. Then I'm going to try to figure out how much electricity ALL of the Macdonald's/Wendy's uses per month/year. I mean there are literally tens of thousands of these restaurants, they must use more electricity than I do at home. Well, I thought it would be a nice science project. Thanks for the help. And if anyone could tell me how much a single restaurant spends in electricity that would very much be appreciated too.

Answer 1

I would go to a Wendy's or McD's and look for an electrical meter and (gas meter too). There is an excellent possibility they are outside. If so, Go one day and read it. Then go back a few more times such that you get a good sample.  

Answer 2

That would not technically be a science fair project;  it's more like a demonstration or fact finding mission.   A science project should find out the answer to a question.  

I think that an interesting question to answer would be:  Who uses more energy: Starbucks, McDonalds, Applebees, or a "fancy pants" restaurant?  Also, if you can find out how much food/drinks that they make, you can find out who makes food more efficiently.  THAT would be interesting.

Answer 3

Depending on location, I bet they use gas for their stoves. And oil for heating.

I found this report on MacD's in switzerland:

http://www.environment.mcdonalds.ch/EN/A...

Total energy consumption (electricity, oil and gas) in 2003 was 57.5 million kWh. for 145 restaurants.

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