Funding

Energy Search Inc. has finalized an agreement with SouthernProducer Services LP, a subsidiary of Southern Energy Inc., toextend the funding of its capital expenditure program for 2001. Aspart of the agreement, Southern pre-approved 60 wells to be funded.Energy Search, based in Knoxville, TN, plans to drill 75 wells nextyear for about $11.5 million, primarily natural gas reserves in theAppalachian Basin. Energy Search CEO Charles P. Torrey said theagreement with Southern allows the company to “expand and expediteour aggressive drilling program.” He added that Southern had been”vital” to the company’s drilling schedule, and said he consideredSouthern’s commitment “a validation of our business developmentplan for the coming year.”