Actually, that is not true. There is A LOT of work being done on micro-grids. These are independent 2MW grids that (if proven out) will be scattered around the country first at key locations then trickling down to consumer. The idea in mind is to heavily de-centralize the "grid"(s) in the event of natural disaster (A kickass solar flare could do some heavy damage if the Earth is in it's path). EMP itself is a tough one to debate. Some say StarFish damaged electronics as far as 600 miles away during that test, however that was yester-year and we were not so heavily "digitized" as we are today. EMP is line of site, but it's "Strength" is what is in question. Can a couple kilotons above America fry everything? Some say yes, some say no. I say prepare accordingly anyway as the bigger issue to me is the 20Trillion we are in debt, unfunded liabilities and the economy crashing. The FSA is more of a threat (IMO) than an EMP.
I have my own 4,600 watt micro-grid. With extra 4000W inverter and charge controller in a Faraday cage.