I did a bit of research that pretty much settled all uncertainties I had after reading this.
Originally posted by another user
The main thing you have to consider is that this is just a prediction.
In addition, just because the sun is active doesn't mean that anything will actually happen to us. We have to be in the line of fire to be affected. All that is being said is the the 2012-2013 maximum should be more active, not that we will be hit by a CME.
Then, this is a prediction of how active the sun will be, not how strong the storms will be. While there will be more strong storms, not all of the storms will be strong. In fact, most of them won't be super-strong. Think of it like a hurricane season.
Next, the magnetic orientation of the CME has to be opposite of our magnetic field (IIRC). Otherwise, the effect on Earth's surface (and thus, the power grid) is minimal
Finally, there are ways to minimize the effects of a CME event. For example, it's possible (although VERY unlikely) that the grid can be shut down if an incoming CME is detected. This would result in a few hours of inconvenience as opposed to a much longer period if the grid were active.
Think of the sun storm season in a manner like the hurricane season. Even an active hurricane season doesn't mean that we will be hit by more season or that all or most of them will be cat-5 storms. It just means that they are more likely.