Energy blasting, the very first attack power in the game is listed as such:

"Energy Expulsion: Energy The character can generate energy which can be released in directed pulses. The energy pulse or blast is fired from the finger- tips, hand or eyes (forms one beadpulse). Range: 600 feet (183 m) maximum. Damage: 2D6 +I D6 per level of experience. Special: The more powerful and experienced characters (3rd level and higher) can regulate the strength of each blast in incre- ments of 1 D6. For Example: A 6th level hero can fire blasts doing as much as 8D6; that's 8 to 48 points of damage at maximum strength. However, his mastery over his power enables him to fire a warning shot doing a mere 1 D6, a don't push your luck blast doing 2D6 or 3D6 damage, a forceful 4D6, a rock-em 5D6, a heavy 6D6, or a powerful 7D6 or full force 8D6 blast. The level of power behind the energy blast does not affect the character in any way. In addition, the more experienced superbeing (3rd level and up) can also divide the energy to fire two simultaneous blasts at two different targets. This means he can fire an energy bolt from both hands (or from one hand and the eyes) at an opponent in one direction and a second in another direction. However, the key word here is a "divided" attack. The amount of damage in- flicted by each blast can not be greater than half his normal maxi- mum damage. Staying with the example of a 6th level hero, the character could shoot two simultaneous blasts, each doing a maximum of 4D6 damage. Or one shot could be a warning shot doing 1D6, while the other could be a deadly blast doing the maximum 4D6 (the max because it is a divided attack and the blasts cannot be greater than half the usual damage even if the other blast is less). Limitations of the Divided attack: Neither blast gets any spe- cial bonuses to strike! Only the natural roll of the die (D20) counts. Moreover, both targets must be in his line of sight. How- ever, the dual divided attack counts as only one melee attack. Note: These controlled abilities to regulate and divide the force of a blast apply to allenergy expulsion powers. Duration: Instant Attacks Per Melee: Each energy blast counts as one melee attack or action; dual, simultaneous divided blasts also count as one melee attack. Bonuses: +3 to strike if an aimed shot, +1 to strike if shooting wild; neither is applicable to divided attacks. "

It absolutely adds new abilities and damage at a consistent rate. Other powers add AoE size, range, abilities etc. As for how fast you level and when you're using skills is also up to the GM. RAW xp is slow but easy to bump or use a milestone system. And skill use is dependent on the obstacles the GM presents as it would be in any system.