What does the term "Bulk Electric System" (BES) refer to?

The term "Bulk Electric System" (BES) refers to interconnected electrical systems that comprise both generation and transmission components. This classification is crucial because it highlights the aspects of the electric power system that operate at a larger scale, encompassing facilities and infrastructures crucial for the effective transfer of electricity across vast distances.

The BES includes all transmission facilities necessary for operating an interconnected transmission network and also incorporates generating units, which are essential for meeting the electric demand of consumers at scale. Recognizing this broad network is significant for ensuring reliability, stability, and compliance with regulatory standards within the electric power industry.

Local distribution networks, residential systems, and emergency backup setups do not fit this definition, as they pertain to more localized or specific functionalities within the overall power grid. Their inclusion would misrepresent the scale and scope of what constitutes the Bulk Electric System. Therefore, option B accurately captures the essence and operational framework of the BES.