Quick Take: Solar activity is expected to peak in 2013 -- and the resulting solar super-storms could destroy 300 or more of the grid's 2,100 high-voltage transformers. That's the conclusion of the National Academy of Sciences, one of a group of federal agencies studying ways to prepare. – Jesse Berst

A monster blast of geomagnetic particles from the sun could destroy 300 or more of the 2,100 high-voltage transformers that are the backbone of the U.S. electric grid, according to a Reuters story in the Chicago Tribune that cites the National Academy of Sciences. What's worse, "getting replacements for the damaged transformers could take a year or more, with the cost of storm damage in the first year running as high as $2 trillion."

The East and the Northwest would be hardest hit. As many as 130 million people could be without power. The story warns there would be "no water and fuel in most cities within hours... and mechanized transport at a standstill." One expert even claimed that "law and order could break down entirely."

NERC is disputing the findings. It says the super-storm would be unlikely to destroy transformers, but would cause voltage collapse and widespread outages.

What's the solution?  Oh, just a mere $200 million to install registers on high-voltage transformers to keep them from overheating, according to EPRI. Or install hundreds of smaller transformers, which would be easier to replace when and if the disaster occurs.

On a related note…

EPRI designs system to replace transformers at record speed

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com, the industry's oldest and largest smart grid site. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the U.S. and abroad, he also serves on advisory committees for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Institute for Electric Efficiency. He often provides strategic consulting to large corporations and venture-backed startups. He is a member of the advisory boards of GridGlo and Calico Energy Services.