Western Energy Services Corp. announced its planned 2015 capital expenditure budget. Western's planned 2015 capital expenditure budget is expected to total approximately $64 million, which includes $22 million in carry forward from Western's 2014 capital program, $6 million in expansion capital, and $36 million in maintenance capital.

The $22 million of carry forward from Western's 2014 capital program relates to the completion of two 5,000m telescopic ELR double drilling rigs, one 6,000m ELR AC triple pad drilling rig and one slant well servicing rig. Due to the recent decline in commodity prices, and the potential for an extended downturn in oilfield service activity, one of the previously announced 6,000m ELR AC triple pad drilling rigs has been postponed. The expansion capital of $6 million relates to additional oilfield rental equipment for Western's division Aero Rental Services.

The maintenance capital of $36 million includes $27 million for the contract drilling segment and $9 million for the production services segment. Included in the maintenance capital budget is $6 million related to rotational equipment.