Energy
What is an energy deficit in Old Light?
Each system runs its own power grid. The Reactor sets the energy ceiling and every other structure draws from it. When your total draw exceeds that ceiling the system enters a deficit and slows down. It is not a hard stop, but a deep deficit costs hours of progress.
Every system you own runs its own power grid. The Reactor supplies the budget, and when demand goes over supply the whole system slows down.
How it works
Each structure in a system pulls a small amount of energy while it operates. The Reactor sets the ceiling. As long as your total draw stays below that ceiling, everything runs at full speed.
What is a deficit
When you're over budget, the system enters a deficit. While in deficit:
Resource production slows down.
Building and upgrading takes longer.
Trade Hub credit income drops.
The worse energy deficit you have, the worse the effect is
It's not a hard stop. Things still happen, just more slowly. Long-running deficits may cost you hours of progress.
How to recover
If possible, upgrade your reactor. The other option is to downgrade something that uses energy.
A tip
Plan Reactor upgrades a step ahead of your other structures. A Reactor that's always one level beyond demand keeps the whole system at full speed without you ever having to think about it.
My mind is going. I can feel it.
Common questions
What happens when a system runs a deficit?
Resource production slows, builds and upgrades take longer, and Trade Hub credit income drops. The worse the deficit, the worse the effect. Everything still runs, just more slowly.
How do I fix an energy deficit?
Upgrade the Reactor to raise the ceiling, or downgrade a structure that uses power. Planning Reactor upgrades one step ahead of demand keeps a system at full speed without you tracking it.
