If there's supposed to be some sort of dependency with another Bob's mod that is supposed to trigger the Steam Power tech, then it's not working as loading up a new game with only the Base Game, Bob's Library and Bob's Power enabled still locks out the absolute minimum for having power behind a tech that requires power.
Very strange change imo.

Yes, this is a bug. I'm aware of it and will get it fixed soon. For now, if you enable Burner Generator in mod settings, you will have a pre steam power option.

Oh wow I had completely forgotten about my burner generators being turned off for the past few years

I've decided to revert this change. Steam Power tech won't be added if Burner power phase setting isn't enabled. Change will be in 1.2.0