What is defined as the 'Bulk Electric System'?

The term 'Bulk Electric System' refers specifically to the interconnected electrical system that includes both transmission and generation facilities. This encompasses not only the high-voltage transmission lines that transport electricity over long distances but also the generation plants that produce the electricity used in various applications. This system is crucial for ensuring reliable electricity supply and is designed to handle large amounts of electric power to meet demand across wide geographic areas.

The other options do not accurately represent the Bulk Electric System. For instance, the approach that focuses only on residential and commercial consumers misses the essential elements of transmission and generation infrastructure. Similarly, a network of renewable energy sources, while important for sustainability and integration into the grid, does not encompass the entirety of the Bulk Electric System, which includes all types of generation. Lastly, components of a single utility company focus on a narrower scope that doesn't capture the interconnected nature of the bulk system, which spans multiple utilities and regions. Thus, understanding the Bulk Electric System as the interconnected network of transmission and generation facilities is crucial for comprehending how electricity is supplied reliably across larger areas.