Steam-injected turbines could revolutionize utility planning and lower electricity prices
The steam-injected gas turbine technology can help stabilize electricity prices and make utility planning less risky. It could support more aggressive energy conservation programs and lead to utilities becoming energy service companies that buy power from independent producers. This shift could lower costs and improve energy efficiency for customers. The necessary technologies for this change are available or can be developed quickly. The challenge is for policymakers to update institutions and create new incentives for utilities to adopt cost-effective energy strategies.