Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, Center for Energy and Environment, George Washington University, and other stakeholders participated in the first e21 Initiative meeting on February 28. The e21 Initiative aims to develop a new or adapted regulatory framework that addresses the challenges of the evolving energy economy and shifting technological landscape. There will be three phases for this effort.  The first will be stakeholder meetings where participants will discuss specific and practical steps to accomplish the objectives summarized here.  In the second phase, participants will focus on developing recommendations for modifying the statutory and regulatory framework in Minnesota, with a focus on the utility business model. In the third phase, participants will address implementing the action steps identified in the second phase. The e21 Initiative will be moderated by the Great Plains Institute. Stay tuned for additional blog posts and monitor the Great Plains Institute’s website for additional information.