What is the goal of NERC’s reliability standards?

The goal of NERC’s reliability standards is fundamentally to ensure the reliability and security of the bulk electric system. These standards are designed to enhance the ability of the electric grid to function effectively under both normal and abnormal conditions, which is crucial for preventing outages and maintaining the continuous supply of electricity.

By establishing these reliability standards, NERC aims to create a framework that bolsters the resilience of the power system against a variety of risks, such as natural disasters, equipment failures, and cyber threats. This serves to protect both the infrastructure of the electric grid and the consumers who depend on it for electricity, ultimately supporting a stable and secure supply of power.

The other options, while they may touch upon important aspects of the electric power industry, do not encapsulate the primary purpose of NERC’s reliability standards. Operational cost minimization, promotion of renewable sources, and standardizing consumer rates are all significant topics in the broader context of energy management but do not directly address the core mission of ensuring the reliability and security of the bulk electric system.