The United States Bulk Electric System (BES) is the backbone of our nation’s power grid. It is responsible for the generation and high-voltage transmission of electricity across the country. Encompassing major power plants, transmission lines, substations, and control centers, the BES spans the continental U.S. and supports the reliable delivery of electricity to more than 300 million people.
The BES transports electricity from generation sources, such as nuclear, natural gas, wind, and solar facilities, to local utilities. From there, it’s distributed to homes, businesses, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. Any disruption at the BES level can ripple down and impact entire regions, leading to blackouts, economic losses, and public safety concerns.
Reliability is paramount for the BES. With increasing threats from cyberattacks, extreme weather, and aging infrastructure, the system must remain resilient and well-coordinated. Standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) ensure that utilities and operators adhere to strict protocols to maintain stability and prevent outages.
Our work at Certrec plays a vital role in protecting reliability by helping utilities understand, navigate, and meet complex compliance requirements. Certrec directly supports efforts to uphold grid reliability and safeguard the nation’s electric supply.
A reliable BES supports not just everyday convenience but national security, economic stability, and public health. As the energy landscape shifts with the growth of renewables and increasing energy demand, it is crucial that the BES evolves without compromising reliability.
