What was the main reason for the establishment of NERC?

The primary reason for the establishment of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) was indeed to respond to the blackout of 1965, which was one of the largest and most widespread blackouts in North American history. This event highlighted significant vulnerabilities in the electricity grid and the need for enhanced reliability and operational cooperation among electric utility companies.

As a response to this critical incident, NERC was created to promote the reliability of the bulk power system through improved standards, assessments, and oversight. By focusing on standards and compliance with practices that ensure a robust and dependable power grid, NERC aims to prevent future blackouts and maintain the reliability of electric systems across North America.

The other options, while relevant to the energy sector, do not represent the direct impetus behind NERC's formation. The organization’s core mission stems specifically from the failures exposed by the 1965 blackout, marking a pivotal moment in the history of energy reliability.