Yes, we need watch systems. Luckily we do have them, and they are getting even more precise with time. We got very luck that it didn't strike us sooner.
Also, yes, the entire planet disconnecting for a few days is indeed a tragedy. But not at the dimension you (and the article) are describing.
For those who haven't seen, distribution management is actually pretty cool. Balancing power on the grid is a real-time task and it's not as trivial as you might think. There are three phases of AC, different voltages, and different frequencies (think slightly-different so that they drift with respect to each other...). Generators are potentially out of phase with respect to each other and ramping up/down throughout the day. Loads ramp up/down too, noticeably shift in response to things like TV programs coming on, and change their inductive/resistive profile. This is all managed in super-nifty control centers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX0G9F42puY
These guys already take TV shows and wind forecasts into account during grid planning but a CME is going to throw them for a loop? Doesn't seem likely.
http://i.imgur.com/3QuJjRY.jpg
Because ...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutdown_(computing)#/media/Fi...
The clip is from three years ago, though. So there's hope!
Disconnecting for a few days is different from "our major electrical infrastructure will take months to repair."