With the fleet size down to its smallest size since 2006 and a 66% jump in the active count from the depths of 2009, drilling rig utilization rates in Western Canada this year are back to levels experienced in 2007 and 2008, Rig Locator records show.

New Sage Energy Corp. has completed the second closing of its previously announced private placement involving the issuance of 400,000 units at a price of five cents per unit for gross proceeds of $20,000.

Rig Activity For Aug. 31

Cequence Energy Ltd. advises that in connection with its previously announced private placement of up to 2.95 million Cequence common shares at $2.10 per share, KERN Energy Partners Management Ltd. and KERN Energy Partners Management II Ltd. will be increasing their participation in the private placement by acquiring an additional 53,900 common shares.