According to NERC Standard COM-001, which of the following is true about telecommunications facilities?

The correct statement is that telecommunications facilities shall provide adequate and reliable telecommunications facilities for information exchange, as outlined in NERC Standard COM-001. This standard emphasizes the importance of having robust communication infrastructure to ensure that operators can effectively exchange critical information during both normal operations and emergencies. Reliable telecommunications are essential for maintaining the reliability of the bulk electric system, as they facilitate timely and accurate communication between system operators, which is vital for decision-making and executing operational plans.

The focus on adequacy and reliability underscores that mere existence of telecommunications facilities is insufficient; they must be capable of supporting the necessary volume and urgency of communications that arise in the context of electric grid operations. Ensuring that these facilities are robust protects the grid from misunderstandings and delays during critical operations, which can lead to significant reliability issues.

In contrast, the other options present limitations that do not align with the intent of the standard. Minimal communication infrastructure does not meet the needs for comprehensive information exchange, restricting operators' abilities to respond effectively. Limiting telecommunications to only coordinating entities neglects the broader requirements of communication across various stakeholders involved in system operations. Lastly, the notion that telecommunications are unnecessary if written communication is provided overlooks the immediacy and interactive nature of verbal communications needed in time-sensitive scenarios, particularly