It's only EVER a slow recharge, because as I see it, you only ever gain 1 PP per turn, right? The usual linked power/metapower stuff doesn't help, here, does it?
In any case, in a game where actions matter, YES you gain more nova potential. But considering that you have to stand around, or walk rather slowly, for a good long while between encounters, it's hardly an effective tactic. The GM only needs to turn up the heat a bit and your recharge is a lot less effective. Probably I would allow recharging like this, but I would then try to impose time limits on tasks. So, yes, you can have your recharge during lulls, but it probably won't help you, then, while during the time that matters you'll be faced with just the same problems as everybody else.