What regulatory aspect does NERC primarily focus on?

NERC, or the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, primarily focuses on establishing and enforcing reliability standards for the electric grid. This is essential for ensuring that electricity supply meets demand consistently and that the grid operates reliably across various regions.

Reliability standards encompass a wide range of requirements pertaining to the operation and planning of the electric power system. This includes aspects such as proper transmission planning, maintenance of system conditions, and the coordination of operations among utilities, ultimately aimed at preventing outages and ensuring system stability.

The other options, while important in the broader context of the energy sector, do not fall under NERC's primary jurisdiction. Tariffs and pricing are generally regulated by state or federal agencies that handle economic aspects of electricity markets. Environmental regulations for power plants are typically managed by environmental agencies, as they pertain more to air quality and emissions standards. Consumer protection regulations, focused on safeguarding consumer interests, are overseen by regulatory bodies that specialize in market behaviors and consumer rights. Thus, NERC's emphasis lies specifically on reliability, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the entire electric system.