Research and progression
Read a Power Pole Graph and Buffer Surplus
Reading the power grid before expanding helps reveal whether production, consumption, or maximum demand is the constraint.…
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Read a Power Pole Graph and Buffer Surplus
Interact with a Power Pole on the grid supplying your factory. Power Storage belongs on the same connected grid and is available at Tier 4 Expanded Power Infrastructure.
Before you go
- A live power grid with an accessible Power Pole.
- Power Storage unlocked at Tier 4 Expanded Power Infrastructure for buffering.
- A stable surplus source if you want to charge storage.
Farming steps
- Interact with a Power Pole and inspect production, consumption, capacity, and maximum consumption.
- Compare current consumption with production and the grid’s maximum demand before adding machines.
- If demand is too close to production, identify nonessential loads or add generation before expanding.
- After unlocking Power Storage, build it and connect it to the same grid.
- Allow surplus power to charge the storage, then inspect its UI and graph for charge and estimated time.
- When storage begins discharging, determine whether the cause is a temporary spike or a continuing production shortfall.
- Add generation or disconnect nonessential loads before stored energy runs out and the grid trips.
- Use the pole graph as a routine check after connecting a large factory branch.
- Treat storage charge as a reserve; a sustained deficit still requires more production or lower consumption.
Repeat, collect and use
Grid inspection is repeatable whenever demand changes. Power Storage automatically absorbs surplus and discharges into a shortfall while charge remains; it does not create energy, so replenish it with surplus generation.
Common mistakes
- Watching only current consumption misses maximum demand; compare all pole readings before expanding.
- Assuming storage can sustain a permanent deficit ignores its finite charge; repair the production balance.
- Connecting storage to a different isolated grid will not support the factory grid; verify the electrical connection.
When to stop or switch
Stop adjusting the grid once production covers expected demand with an adequate margin and any storage reserve is not steadily draining. Recheck after major factory additions.
Sources & fact checks
What you can get here
Open a guide to find other locations and see what the item is used for.