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FortisBC has agreed to fully fund a Community Energy Specialist with the City of Kelowna for the next two years.

The commitment was made following the success of a similar one-year pilot project between the utility and the city.

"During the pilot, the community energy specialist we had researched, developed and engaged on the Energy Step Code, proposed the development of Kelowna's Community Climate Action Plan, co-ordinated with staff and FortisBC on electric vehicle charging infrastructure grants for three locations, and also promoted conservation and energy efficient programs," said sustainability co-ordinator Tracy Guidi.

Guidi told council Monday the opportunity afforded the city is unique in that Fortis typically only funds such positions up to 50 per cent of the salary to a maximum of $50,000 annually.

She says the city must sign a contract with Fortis and have the position filled by the end of the year to take advantage of the offer.

"Over the next two years, we will work with Fortis to develop a workplan for the position, and it will focus on a variety of activities to help reduce energy consumption, and consequently greenhouse gas emissions in our community."

Guidi said the workplan will include reducing energy use in city-owned buildings, continuing the work on an Energy Step Code, developing a community retrofit strategy and reducing energy use in transportation.

Coun. Gail Given says the city is fortunate Fortis is offering to fully fund the position.

"It's quite exceptional, and really does speak to the relationship building that's gone on between Fortis and city staff, and the work that's been done on climate action. We are all going in the same direction," said Given.

"Zero hit to taxpayers and yet all the benefits to taxpayers. You can't not like that."