I have a save where the output of steam boilers is 92c, which is less than the steam engines can accept, meaning I am unable to produce power and therefore do any research.
Since steam carries 0 energy at 100c and increases linearly from there. I'd think it should randomize the amount of energy within a certain factor (e.g. 0.25x - 2x energy output of steam boiler would produce steam at 116.25c to 360c or .5x-2x would be 132.5c to 230c)