Michael T. Steffes, who has 15 years experience in energy risk management, trading and marketing, has been named vice president-Energy Marketing and Trading for Pennsylvania Power & Light Co.

"Mike is an important addition to PP&L as the competitive market in electricity continues to grow in Pennsylvania and throughout the country," said Frank Long, PP&L's executive vice president and chief operating officer. "We are very pleased that Mike will be bringing his considerable expertise to the energy marketing and trading operation at PP&L — a function that has become increasingly important to the company's success in both the wholesale and retail electricity markets."

In his new position, Steffes will expand PP&L's marketing activities throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states as these areas deregulate and pursue competitive alternatives.

Steffes comes to PP&L from Valero Gas Marketing, L.P., where he served as vice president of risk management. Prior to joining Valero, he worked in a number of executive positions with LG&E Natural, formerly Hadson Corp., for eight years. Steffes began his career at United Gas Pipeline Co. in Houston.

A graduate of Albion College in Michigan, Steffes also earned an M.B.A. from the University of Detroit.