The scale assumes linear tech progress but might oversimplify things. For instance, a Type II civilization could mess up its planet's climate by harnessing a star's full energy.
I'm checking posts that mention energy needs for each type. A Type II civilization would need about 4 × 10^26 watts, like the Sun's output.
A Type III civilization could control a galaxy's energy, making them seem god-like. The scale is based on exponential growth and energy access.
Some posts discuss how civilizations with thousands or millions of years might look. They reinforce the scale's focus on energy as a tech measure.