Bakken Oilfield Electrical & Automation Services
Oilfield Electrical & Automation Services in the Bakken
Electrical construction, automation integration, and well pad infrastructure solutions for oil & gas operations across the Bakken and Williston Basin.
With regional operations based in Stanley, North Dakota, DSI works alongside operators throughout the Bakken to deliver reliable electrical systems, automation solutions, and infrastructure upgrades that keep production moving.
Electrical & Automation Solutions for Bakken Oil & Gas Operations
The Bakken formation in the Williston Basin is one of the most productive oil plays in North America. Stretching across western North Dakota, eastern Montana, and parts of Canada, the basin covers hundreds of miles and contains extensive petroleum resources that continue to drive regional energy production.
Today the Bakken produces over 1.3 million barrels of oil per day, making it one of the largest shale oil fields in the United States.
But producing energy across this region presents a unique set of operational challenges.
Oilfield operators must manage:
- Distributed well pads spread across remote terrain
- High-volume pumping systems and electrical loads
- Aging infrastructure from earlier shale boom development
- Increasing automation requirements for monitoring and control
- Environmental and gas capture compliance requirements
Reliable electrical infrastructure and integrated automation systems are critical to keeping Bakken production operating safely, efficiently, and profitably.
DSI provides electrical construction, automation integration, and well pad infrastructure solutions designed specifically for the realities of modern oilfield operations.
The Bakken & Williston Basin: Energy Production at Scale
The Bakken formation sits within the larger Williston Basin, a massive sedimentary basin stretching across several U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The basin extends roughly 475 miles north to south and 300 miles east to west, containing extensive petroleum deposits that have supported decades of energy development.
Today the Bakken remains one of the most productive oil fields in North America, producing approximately 1.3 million barrels of oil per day.
Modern Bakken operations depend heavily on reliable electrical infrastructure, automation systems, and field technology to manage distributed well pads and maintain efficient production.
Electrical Challenges in the Bakken
While the Bakken remains one of the most productive shale plays in North America, operators face ongoing technical and infrastructure challenges that impact well pad performance and operating costs.
Aging Electrical Infrastructure
Many producing wells in the basin were built during earlier phases of the shale boom. As production continues, electrical equipment such as drives, motor controls, and power distribution systems often require modernization to maintain reliability and efficiency.
High Equipment Wear and Harsh Operating Conditions
Frac sand, water production, and abrasive materials can cause significant wear on production equipment, requiring systems designed to withstand demanding oilfield conditions.
Gas Capture and Infrastructure Expansion
As production increases, operators must manage natural gas handling, pipeline capacity, and infrastructure expansion to meet regulatory capture targets and reduce flaring.
Automation and Remote Monitoring
With well pads distributed across large geographic areas, operators rely increasingly on automation, remote monitoring, and integrated control systems to manage production efficiently.
These evolving challenges require electrical and automation partners who understand the realities of oilfield infrastructure.
DSI Oilfield Electrical & Automation Services
DSI delivers integrated electrical and automation solutions designed to support modern oilfield production environments in the Bakken and across the Williston Basin.
Industrial Electrical Construction
Our electrical construction teams build the infrastructure that powers Bakken operations, including:
- Oilfield power distribution systems
- Motor control centers
- Electrical equipment installation
- Field wiring and instrumentation
- Hazardous area electrical systems
DSI electricians understand the safety, reliability, and uptime requirements of active oilfield operations.
Automation & Control Systems
Modern oilfield operations depend on reliable automation and controls. DSI designs and integrates control systems that allow operators to monitor and manage production across multiple field locations.
Capabilities include:
- PLC and SCADA integration
- Remote monitoring systems
- Production data integration
- Well pad automation systems
Our controls engineers and technicians work with industry-leading automation platforms to create systems that scale with production.
Well Pad Electrical Systems
Reliable electrical infrastructure is essential for maintaining production. DSI designs and installs electrical systems supporting:
- Pumping units
- Production equipment
- Tank battery operations
- Field automation devices
Our solutions help operators maintain reliable power delivery even in remote production environments.
Control Panel Fabrication
DSI designs and builds custom industrial control panels that support automation and production systems used throughout oilfield operations.
Our panels are engineered for:
- Harsh oilfield environments
- Hazardous area classifications
- Long-term operational durability
Each panel is fabricated to meet both project specifications and applicable electrical standards.
ESP Electrical Systems
Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) play a critical role in maintaining production levels across many Bakken and Williston Basin wells.
DSI provides electrical integration and support for ESP systems including:
- Power distribution infrastructure
- Motor controls and drives
- Electrical equipment integration
- Field installation and commissioning
Reliable ESP electrical systems help operators maintain stable production across high-output wells.
Modernizing Oilfield Electrical Infrastructure
Many Bakken operators are now focusing on modernization efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.
DSI helps operators upgrade field infrastructure through:
- Variable frequency drive (VFD) upgrades
- Regenerative drive technology
- Automation system modernization
- Improved motor control systems
In large-scale well pad modernization projects, DSI has helped operators deploy regenerative drive systems capable of capturing and reusing energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. These upgrades can significantly improve system efficiency and reduce operating costs across oilfield operations. Our Rockwell Automation Silver System Integrator status helps to ensure you are getting the best technology available.
Modern electrical systems also allow operators to integrate predictive analytics and condition monitoring, helping teams identify potential failures before they impact production.
Oil & Gas Services Behind Every Bakken Project
Bakken work draws on four DSI service groups. Each one has its own oil and gas page with full capabilities, standards, and answers to the questions operators ask most.
Oil & Gas Electrical Construction
Well pads, tank batteries, SWD and LACT units, ESP power, motor control, and classified area installations.
Oil & Gas Automation
PLC and SCADA programming, VFD and ESP control, telemetry, instrumentation, and automation modernization.
Oil & Gas Panel Shop
UL 508A and UL 698A control panels built for Class I Division 2 areas, wellhead boxes, and harsh oilfield service.
Oil & Gas Fabrication
Shop-built electrical racks, skids, supports, and canopies fabricated to move to the field and be installed.
A Trusted Electrical & Automation Partner for Oil & Gas
DSI has spent more than two decades supporting energy producers with electrical and automation solutions built for demanding industrial environments.
Deep Oilfield Experience
DSI teams understand the electrical and automation needs of oil and gas production environments.
Integrated Electrical & Automation Expertise
Unlike contractors who only install electrical equipment, DSI integrates electrical infrastructure with advanced automation systems.
Regional Presence in the Bakken
DSI maintains a regional headquarters in Stanley, North Dakota, supporting operations throughout the Bakken and Williston Basin.
Employee-Owned Culture
As a 100% employee-owned company, DSI brings a culture of accountability and craftsmanship to every project.
Serving Oil & Gas Operations Across the Williston Basin
DSI supports operators across the Williston Basin and surrounding oil-producing regions, including:
- Williston
- Watford City
- Stanley
- Dickinson
- Minot
- Tioga
Our teams work directly with oilfield operators, production companies, and midstream partners to support electrical infrastructure and automation systems across the basin.
Where We Work
Permian Basin, Midland/Odessa
Supporting oilfield producers across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
Williston Basin, North Dakota & Eastern Montana
Providing electrical services for major operators across the Bakken.
Across the US
Our team travels well and we have teams working in many other areas of the US as projects arise.
DSI is strategically positioned in both regions to deliver fast mobilization and consistent workforce support.
Frequently Asked Electrical and Automation Questions
What electrical systems are used on Bakken well pads?
Bakken well pads require robust electrical infrastructure to power pumping units, compressors, electric submersible pumps (ESP), tank batteries, and monitoring systems. Electrical systems often include power distribution equipment, motor control centers, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and field instrumentation integrated with automation systems.
Why is automation important for Bakken oilfield operations?
Automation allows operators to remotely monitor and control well pads across large geographic areas. Modern oilfield automation systems integrate PLCs, SCADA platforms, sensors, and production data systems to improve operational efficiency and reduce downtime.
What challenges affect oilfield electrical infrastructure in the Bakken?
Oilfield electrical systems in the Bakken must operate in harsh conditions that include abrasive materials from frac sand, high water production, and remote locations that require reliable automation and monitoring systems. Infrastructure expansion and gas capture requirements also influence electrical system design across the basin.
Where is the Bakken oil field located?
The Bakken formation lies within the Williston Basin and spans western North Dakota, eastern Montana, and parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
What services does an oilfield electrical contractor provide?
Oilfield electrical contractors provide electrical construction, well pad infrastructure installation, automation system integration, control panel fabrication, and electrical upgrades for oil and gas production facilities.
Talk With Our Bakken Team
Whether you are upgrading aging well pad infrastructure, integrating automation systems, or expanding oilfield electrical capacity, DSI provides the experience and technical expertise to support your operations.
Talk with our team to discuss your Bakken electrical and automation needs.
Downloads
Bakken Oilfield Capability Sheets
Downloadable capability sheets covering what we build for oil and gas operators, the certifications behind it, and where we work.
Oil & Gas ElectricalWell pads, tank batteries, SWD and LACT units, ESP, and classified areas.Download PDF
Oil & Gas AutomationPLC, VFD and ESP control, SCADA, telemetry, and field instrumentation.Download PDF
Oil & Gas Panel ShopUL 508A and UL 698A panels for Class I Division 2 and wellhead service.Download PDF
Oil & Gas FabricationShop-built electrical racks, skids, supports, and canopies for field install.Download PDF
100% Employee-Owned | 25+ Years in the Field | UL-Certified Panel Shop | ASME R Stamp Welding Certification | 6 Locations | Serving Oil & Gas, Industrial, and Municipal Customers