Republicans in Congress are taking steps to protect the nation’s electrical grid in the event of a solar flare or terrorist nuclear attack.

The Secure High-voltage Infrastructure for Electricity from Lethal Damage Act would push the federal government to install surge protectors and other devices to protect the grid against attack.

“It is critical that we protect our major transformers from cascading destruction. The Shield Act encourages industry to develop standards necessary to protect our electric infrastructure against both natural and man-made EMP events,” said Arizona Republican Rep. Trent Franks.

Solar flare is a serious concern as the sun is reaching the peak of a solar cycle. Lloyds of London issued a report that a serious solar flare could knock out electricity from New York to Washington, D.C. for up to two years.

Frank Gaffney, who heads the Center for Security Policy, said there are at least 300 huge electrical transformers around the nation that control the grid need to be protected.