Understand SimCity power mechanics: Residential, Commercial, and Industrial zones require power to grow, while Stadiums and Power Plants do not.
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Zones in SimCity require power to grow. Without power, these zones will likely shrink. Police Departments/Headquarters and Fire Departments/Headquarters will continue to function without power, but with less effectiveness. You will still incur maintenance costs for these services even if they are not connected to the power grid.
The following Zones require no power to function at 100% capacity: Stadium, Coal Power, Nuclear Power, All Presents (except for the Police/Fire Headquarters), Airport (needs to be confirmed on the NES prototype), and Seaport (needs to be confirmed on the NES prototype).
Note: The power generated by Power Plant Zones contributes to your city's total powered zones, even if not directly connected to the grid. Only one Power Plant must be connected to your city's power grid.
- Ensure your Residential, Commercial, and Industrial zones are connected to the power grid to maintain growth.
- Police and Fire Departments still cost maintenance even when unpowered.
- Stadiums, Power Plants, and certain other structures do not require a power connection to operate at full capacity.
- Only one Power Plant needs to be connected to the grid to count its power output towards your city's total.
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