During an EMP, power lines become antennas that channel the EMP pulse. Thus power lines extend the range and effect of an EMP. While the original pulse might be enough to fry a state’s footprint, the power lines extend the area. The pulse can then damage / destroy much of the power distribution network over a large area.
To repair the damage, many lines, junctions, transformers, trip/triggers, etc will need to be replaced. Depending on the time location and possible cascade effect, power plant transformers may need to be replaced and possibly even the power plant generators. That is near to a worse case scenario. Power plant transformers are not sitting on the docks waiting to be shipped. They are multi-ton, ship via train, HUGE transformers. Order to build to delivery can take a year and a half.
who ya gonna send the order to and how are they gonna build?
China? Iran?
LOL!