Economics dictates the pace

Natural gas prices are at a ten year low, so energy companies drilling in Ohio’s Utica shale began scaling back.  But now, several of the biggest players say they’re seeing economically encouraging output from some wells already brought on line in Ohio in Stark and nearby counties.  They’re getting what they call wet production there: oil; and liquids like propane.  Prices for those are far higher than for natural gas.

Liquids mean a lot

Leslie Haines, Editor-in-Chief of the national magazine Oil & Gas Investor  says that makes a difference in when, and whether, energy companies go forward with what ‘s become known as the Utica Shale play. “It’s a great economic uplift if a producer in Ohio can find natural gas liquids.  He likes that.  It gives him more cash flow with which to go drill more wells.”

Drilling schedule