Cisco Systems will work with Charlotte corporations including Duke Energy, Bank of America and Wells Fargo to link downtown office towers in the Queen City to a smart grid and cut energy use.

Former president Bill Clinton announced the $5.3 million project in a statement from the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, the Charlotte Observer reported.

The goal is to cut energy use in the buildings by 20 percent in 5 years. Cisco's equipment will monitor real-time energy use and help building managers fine-tune consumption.

Owners of 60 buildings with more than 12 million square feet may take part in the “Envision: Charlotte” initiative.