Women in Maryland Energy – Q & A with Chidinma Emenike

Chidinma Emenike helped MEA celebrate International Woman’s Day on March 8, 2020

Name: Chidinma Emenike

When did you start working with MEA? December 2019

Where did you work before MEA?

Delaware’s Division of Climate, Coastal, and Energy, under the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).  My main responsibility was to help run the Green Energy Program, which offers financial incentives to Delmarva Power customers (in Delaware) who install renewable energy technologies.

Describe the work you do now?

I help administer the Clean Energy Rebate Programs for both residential and commercial, which entails answering questions about renewable energy from ratepayers, tracking the progress of applications, and processing projects for payment.  I also help out with other programs, including the Maryland Energy Storage Tax Credit and the Clean Energy Communities Low-to-Moderate Income Program.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The energy industry is changing so quickly that it can be hard to keep up.  With various technologies inching closer to commercial viability, and new and innovative projects like bifacial panels which are double sided solar panels or  net-zero buildings like the first net-zero school in Maryland that MEA help fund, coming online seemingly every week, it can be tough to keep track of everything.

Take a look at the state’s first net-zero school in Howard County here. MEA provided $2.77 million dollars towards the design and construct of this replacement school.

Do you have a favorite energy generation source?

Cliché as it is, I find solar particularly appealing, mainly because of its ability to pair with other technologies (e.g. solar and wind).  I like that various technologies can complement each other so well.

What should the public know about MEA?

Customer service is our top priority.

Tell us what you find most inspiring about the energy sector or your work:

I like that my work makes a measurable difference in people’s lives like money saved on utility bills, tons of avoided carbon emissions.  It can be hard to get people to support an idea when the benefits are not quantifiable, but keeping track of metrics that demonstrate the positive impact renewable energy has on society. For example, MEA does an annual SEIF report, click here for the 2019 report or here for highlights, which showcases the importance of the work we are doing, which helps people get behind it.

Chidinma was also recoginzed as the MEA Employee of the Month for May for her outstanding customers service and teamwork. The purpose of the employee of the month awards is to recognize team members who have completed a challenging task or project during the past month. MEA is fortunate to have an incredibly motivated and professionally driven team which provides us with a preputial source of candidates for these awards. Chidinma recieved her virtual trophy during the MEA all staff meeting on May 6, 2020. Congratulations Chidinma!