Geomagnetic Storm Cycle 22: Power System Problems on the Horizon

This paper focuses on potential effects of solar phenomena on communication systems used by the electric utility industry. It begins with a discussion of solar phenomena fundamentals and discussion of the interaction between solar emissions and the earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere. It continues with a discussion of the resulting impacts on communication systems including radio, satelite, wireline, fiber optic, and powerline systems and concludes with a discussion of mitigating techniques and a call for observers to report suspected solar impace experiences.