Despite the involvement of nearly a dozen partners, Duke Energy is the principal catalyst behind Envision Charlotte, which aims to reduce energy consumption by 20% in commercial office buildings in uptown Charlotte.

FORBES: America's Future Power Grid, Don't Call It Smart

Or, envision an easy-to-use software package that lets a building owner perform virtual energy audits at a fraction of the cost of in-person audits, so real savings are calculated instantly, building upgrades launched sooner, and construction jobs created faster.

WHITEHOUSE: Energy Datapalooza: Unleashing the Power of Open Data to Advance our Energy Future | The White House