[holding answer 30 March 2009]: National Grid (NGET) is aware of the phenomena of extreme solar weather events and began preparations for the next peak in 2011-12 some years ago. NGET has procedures in place to improve the resilience of the network which include putting their field force on standby and ensuring that enough reactive power is available (a technical service provided by generators which helps manage voltage fluctuations—a possible consequence of both a conventional and severe solar storm).
The electricity networks are designed to provide a level of resilience that would cope with incidents that are potentially more severe than those that may be caused by a solar flare. Similarly, Government emergency planning arrangements are in place and tested to be able to cope with a complete shutdown of the electricity network. There is therefore no requirement for additional resilience or emergency response measures to deal with any potential disruption due specifically to a solar flare.