In NERC priority order, which facilities have the highest priority for restoration following a widespread regional blackout?

The highest priority for restoration following a widespread regional blackout is given to Bulk Electric System (BES) facilities. This is because the BES is crucial for the stability and reliability of the entire electrical grid. Restoration efforts focus first on these facilities to quickly re-establish power to larger areas, as they form the backbone of the electrical transmission and distribution network.

By prioritizing BES facilities, the restoration process can facilitate the resumption of service to smaller distribution networks and ultimately to end-users, including residential, commercial, and emergency response facilities. This systematic approach ensures that power is restored efficiently and that the overall integrity of the grid is maintained, allowing for a coordinated recovery from the blackout.

In contrast, while emergency response facilities are vital during such crises, their power restoration is typically contingent on the stability provided by the BES. Residential and commercial services follow thereafter, as they rely on the successful restoration of the bulk system to regain service.