Solar storms can dazzle, bringing displays of the northern lights to large parts of the globe. But geomagnetic storms can also affect electronic systems.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the biggest changes in more than a decade to the way U.S. power lines are planned and funded.

Sweeping changes to the way long-distance power lines are planned and built were approved by federal regulators Monday, as they try to revitalize an overwhelmed electricity grid that is ill equipped to handle soaring demand.