Alva Review-Courier -

Oklahoma City (AP) — Efficiency is the name of the game for Oklahoma drillers and out-of-state companies drilling wells in Oklahoma.

Lessons learned during the two-and-a-half-year downturn have helped boost some oil and gas businesses. The rate of drilling has increased since December in several plays, with Oklahoma accounting for the second-highest rise, said energy economist James Williams.

But the rise likely will be tempered by oil prices, said Williams, founder of WTRG Economics, an analysis firm based in London, Arkansas. Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association Executive Vice President Arnella...