Inside Report (4)

You might think energy company officials would be gleeful over Ronald Reagan's nomination. Well. . . not quite. Reagan says all the right things, of course. He's for decontrol of prices, less government regulation, and an all-out push for higher US production of oil and natural gas -- or so he says.

But some oil officials remember candidate Carter, who also made a lot of favorable noises before going into the White House. Many felt betrayed by his energy program.

Reagan's inexperience with energy matters leaves company official wary. "He says all the right things, but we are not sure he really understands all the problems, notes an oil company official.

These officials are delighted to see George Bush on the Reagan ticket. As founder of a Texas oil drilling equipment company, he strengthens Reagan's appeal to the men who run -- and finance -- the oil rigs.m