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Plugging Index for operators

Put a tested number on the plugging obligation of a well or a whole portfolio, with the data date and the method behind it.

Where we have estimates today. Statewide estimates for 9 states: Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Wyoming. Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas are not yet covered: records are on file, but no statewide estimate passes testing. 4 Texas counties and 2 Oklahoma counties do pass on their own and are included in Pro and in portfolio reports where a well matches; no Kansas county does. Wells in any other state cannot be estimated yet, and a report says so for each of them.

How you would use it

Estimate one well: choose the state, well type and depth, and get the cost range of comparable plugged wells, with a confidence rating.
Check an asset-retirement figure in your accounts against what publicly funded plugging has cost in the same state.
Restate an older estimate in current dollars with the Plugging Cost Index.
Run a list of wells as a portfolio report: a total with its range, and the wells we cannot estimate, with the reason.

Plugged a well? Report what it cost

If you are a operator and you have actual plugging costs, report them and get free Pro access. When we can verify a submitted cost against a public record or a document you can show, we switch on Pro for you, by hand, for as long as you keep contributing.

Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas first. These states have no statewide estimate yet, so a verified cost from them does the most good. Reports from those three states are flagged for priority review.

Report a plugging cost

Submissions are stored as unverified and reviewed before any use; nothing you send is published or added to a figure until it is verified. Please do not name individuals.

Which product

The estimator and the national index are free. County, depth-band and well-type detail is part of Pro. A portfolio report prices a whole list of wells: the total is free to preview, the per-well report and PDF are paid.

Estimate a well Run a portfolio report See pricing

The figures are reported costs of publicly funded orphan-well plugging, mostly old and shallow wells. They are not quotes, bids or professional advice. See the limitations.