Nigel Walker – Director of the Easton Energy Group

“I would like to see a lot fewer cars on the road and more bikes being used”, Nigel Walker.

 

What is your job about?

Easton Energy Group is a social enterprise based in Easton. We try to help local residents reduce energy use in their homes and assist people in fuel poverty find grants or other means to aid with their home energy costs. We are committed to take community action against climate change and help people reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprints. We run classes, workshops and meetings to educate people on how they can reduce their bills and usage. We get the community involved through fun activities and sessions to help them understand energy use and the effects it has for them personally and on the environment.

 

What issues do you address?

• We address the issues of high energy bills, energy consumption, awareness and community involvement
• We help people to find the best solutions for their homes

 

What moved you to take action?

I worked previously in Solar energy both installing and selling solar panels. I realized how important it is for people to save energy and also how important it is that communities know what is going on around the and how they can make a difference on an individual level and as a community.

 

What were the obstacles that you had to overcome?

Easton Energy has been quite a slog, we do wonder if we are reaching people. It’s difficult with very little funding.

 

What helped you keep going in hard times?

I think it’s my positive attitude. When I was much younger I had health problems and had leukemia at 6 months old. I was very impressed with the medical team who treated me and I went on to become an occupational therapist.

 

What first prompted you to become interested in environmental issues and when was that?

My background is in solar energy. I think that really made me think about issues surrounding energy. I have always had an interest in the environment.

 

On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being very happy) where would you rate how you feel about your life?

9

http://www.eastonenergygroup.org/uk