Longer wells boost Permian crude oil and natural gas production

This is a story about oil and gas drilling, not home energy upgrades, but it may still interest readers tracking energy trends. In the Permian region of western Texas and eastern New Mexico, drillers are getting more oil and gas from each well by drilling longer horizontal wells underground. In 2015, short wells under 5,000 feet made up 43% of new wells; by 2025 they were down to 4%. Mid-length wells (5,000 to 15,000 feet) now make up most new drilling, and a growing share, 15% in 2025, are "super-laterals" that stretch beyond 15,000 feet, more than three miles.

The number of new wells drilled each year has stayed fairly steady, but production has surged because each well now reaches much more rock underground. Output in the region rose from 2.9 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2015 to 11.2 million in 2025, a 284% increase. The average length of a new well grew 77% over the same decade, from about 6,150 feet to nearly 10,900 feet.

For homeowners, this doesn't translate into a specific rebate or upgrade decision. It's a look at how U.S. oil and natural gas supply keeps expanding through drilling technology rather than more wells. That supply picture can factor into broader energy prices and availability, but it doesn't change what programs or incentives are available for home efficiency projects.