Power brownouts show up as machines running slower than they should. The fix is finding what is drawing more than your grid produces.
Why this matters
A slow machine wastes hours of waiting. Brownouts are the most common reason a factory feels broken.
Step-by-step
- Open the power graph and compare capacity to demand.
- Look for lines running slower than their set speed.
- Add generators until capacity exceeds demand.
- Add batteries to cover short spikes.
- Split heavy consumers onto a second grid.
- Trim machines you do not need right now.
- Re-check the graph after each change.
Tips
- Batteries absorb spikes from many machines at once
- Power switches let you idle a line
- Coal power beats fuel for mid-game load
- Watch demand when adding a new smelter row
Practical notes
The power graph shows capacity versus demand, and it is the first place to look when machines crawl. Add generators until capacity exceeds demand with margin, because a grid at exactly 100 percent slows the moment one more machine switches on. Batteries absorb the spike when many machines start together.
Split heavy consumers onto a second grid so one overloaded area cannot slow the whole base. Power switches let you idle a line you are not using right now. Re-check the graph after every expansion, and keep a spare plant for the build you have not started yet.
Keep a spare plant for the build you have not started yet.
Batteries absorb the spike when many machines start at the same time.
Common mistakes
- Adding machines before checking the graph
- Assuming batteries alone fix chronic shortfall
- Forgetting that drills spike on startup
- No spare capacity at all