Dallas-based Wiser Oil Co. has ramped up initial natural gas production at its Wild River operations in Alberta, and said that combined gross production rates are averaging 14-15 MMcf/d. The company estimates that gross production on balance will average 9-10 MMcf/d for the rest of this year.

Wiser, which has a 50% working interest in Wild River and also is operator, said pipelines and related facilities have been installed to facilitate the new gas production from the 2-32, 12-21 and 8-29 wells. The area covers more than 18,000 acres of leasehold. The independent’s core operations are in and along the Texas Gulf Coast, Permian Basin and in Alberta. Its total proved reserves at the end of 2001 were 212.4 Bcfe, with natural gas comprising 46% of total reserves. Proved reserves were 81% developed, with 63% in the United States, and 37% in Canada.

“The significant increase in natural gas production volumes comes at an opportune time as natural gas prices appear to be recovering,” said CEO George K. Hickox Jr. “Although we are in the early stages of developing the Wild River area, we are very encouraged by our drill bit and engineering success and are preparing for an active winter drilling season.”

Hickox said the development program is expected to begin late in the fourth quarter, and will continue “throughout 2003.” He said that if the program is successful, “we could realize another 15-20 MMcf per day of additional natural gas production in 2003.”

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