We need to have all of our grid ready for the big one. We need to have back up equipment ready to go on a moments notice buried underground. While the recovery wouldn't be quick its better that not being prepared and being stuck in the dark for decades. Millions if not billions will die and we're seemingly doing nothing to prepare?
Yup if the Carrington event that happened in 1859 happened today we would be back to the 1800's. No cars, phones or electricity.
Hell during that event people could read by the aurora borealis at night. Teletypes ran themselves.
We've been hit a few times since then but if we get a big on we will all be back in the 1800's.