The report, "Hydrocarbon and By-product Reserves in British Columbia 2005" shows B.C. has 444.6 billion cubic metres, or 15.8 trillion cubic feet, of remaining raw gas reserves.

That is the highest level in the province’s history, representing a 14 per cent increase over 2004 year-end raw gas reserves and 51 per cent over 2000.  

The report is focused on the north east, the area of current acitivity and reflects reserves and  drilling operations in the Ft. St. John, Fort Nelson regions.  In that area, there were 1,418 oil and gas wells drilled in 2005.  That is nearly 11% more activity than the previous year, and more than 60% higher than activity recorded in 2001.

The report does not deal with potential reserves in the Bowser, or Nechako Basins.  Although there have been plenty of rumours making the rounds in Prince George about test drilling, there  hasn't been one permit issued for such exploratory work.  Premier Campbell has indicated that in order to convince oil and gas companies to  explore for natural gas and oil in the Nechako basin, his government may need to come up with extra incentives.