Southwestern Energy Co. (NYSE: SWN) detailed first-quarter 2015 operating results April 23. The quarter ended March 31.

During the quarter about $496 million was invested in E&P. This amount was divided--$135 million in northeast Appalachia, $91 million in southwest Appalachia, $229 million in the Fayetteville Shale, $1 million in the Ark-La-Tex area, $34 million in new ventures and $6 million in E&P services.

A total of 22 new wells were placed online in northeast Appalachia. They produced 83 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas. This was 43% higher than first-quarter 2014’s 58 Bcf. Gross operated production was about 1,148 MMcf/d by the end of the quarter.

By March 31, 349 operated wells were in production and 95 were in progress. Of those on production, 348 were horizontal. Of those, 198 were in Susquehanna County, Pa., while 129 were were in Bradford County and 21 were in Lycoming County. Of the 95 wells in progress, 35 were either waiting on completion or waiting to be placed to sales, including 15 in Susquehanna County, 13 in Bradford County, four in Lycoming County and three wells in Sullivan, Tioga and Wyoming counties.

In Southwest Appalachia, 13 wells were put on production in first-quarter 2015, producing 30 Bcfe, 55% natural gas. The West Virginia and southwest Pennsylvania assets were integrated into the portfolio. Permits in progress were transferred from West Virginia. The first five wells were drilled. The first four wells, which will be placed on production in the second quarter, were also completed.

At the end of the quarter, there were 300 operated horizontal wells on production and 35 operated horizontal wells in progress. Of those on production, about 85% were wet gas. Of the 35, 14 were waiting on completion. The company currently runs two drilling rigs.

In the Fayetteville Shale, 115 Bcf of gas was produced, less than first-quarter 2014’s 119 Bcf. The 99 horizontal wells put on production during this year’s first quarter had an average IP rate of about 4.4 Mcf/d. The average well cost $2.8 million, and had a 5,785-foot horizontal lateral length.

The operating income from Southwestern’s E&P segment was $78 million during the quarter, less than 2014’s $352 million. Lower natural gas prices and higher operating costs and higher activity levels partly caused the increase.

Spring, Texas-based Southwestern Energy Co. operates in major U.S. shale plays and in New Brunswick, Canada.