For the buildings, I was less concerned direct area affect as with the Psi emitters via SC. (I agree about the "clustering" effect.)
For our considerations, the power could also be relayed via the buildings (some or all?). So taking out one Tok doesn't disable every building in it's influence (eliminate "cluster" effect). Each building acting as a relay would allow a base to spread out (but only so much via Warcraft I). A power relay could be used to extend an area of influence beyond your base to power outer defenses or vechs. (Though I think the idea of vechs is out anyhow.)
Another method of building power distribution would be to force power generation facilities to connect to the base tube system. This would eliminate arguments against making every building a "transmitter" but still have the same effect.
And yes, all of the buildings receive power via microwaves. It is this technology that is used to create the Microwave Lynx.
From Plymouth Mission 3 Brief
Our scientists believe with more research they can modify existing microwave power transmission technologies to provide us with some protection against Eden’s weaponry.
From the Focused Microwave Projection Teaser
Inter-colonial relations remain poor, making it prudent to develop some kind of defen-sive capability. Our most promising research path lies in a refinement of the Microwave technology we use for transmitting power from our Tokamaks to the rest of the colony.
Laser weaponry is created from factory laser systems.
Microwave transmission would be a health hazard. But then again, the colonists are also subject to cosimic radiation. Of course, I don't think I'd want a high powered microwave beam pointed at my head all the time...
"Unlimited RPG/Sticky foam" - also a good point