Which type of facilities does CIP-014 apply to?

CIP-014 specifically addresses the protection of essential transmission stations and substations that are crucial to the reliable operation of the electrical grid. The standard was developed in response to concerns about potential physical security threats to these facilities, recognizing that their disruption could significantly impact the reliability of the bulk electric system.

By focusing on transmission stations and substations, CIP-014 helps ensure these critical nodes in the grid are adequately secured against potential attacks, thereby helping to maintain system stability and reliability. This standard is part of a broader framework aimed at protecting the nation's critical infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector.

The other options do not align with the scope of CIP-014. Electrical generation facilities fall outside of this particular standard's focus, as they are addressed by different CIP standards. Residential utility centers and third-party service vendors do not represent essential transmission stations or substations and hence are not included under the regulations set by CIP-014. The concentration on transmission infrastructure is vital, as these components are integral to the overall functionality and resilience of the electrical system.