How To Choose an Electrical Contractor Ready for Future Automation
Oil and gas teams rely on systems that need to run every day with minimal downtime. When electrical work is weak or outdated, sites face repeat failures, higher costs, and long repair cycles. Many leaders want to know how to choose commercial electrical contractors who can manage today’s construction needs while also supporting tomorrow’s automation upgrades. In this conversation, John Serr, Head of Electrical at Design Solutions and Integration, shares what he sees on location and what operators should look for. His insight gives readers a clear path to stronger, safer, and more reliable installations that scale as technology evolves.
The Reader’s Challenge
Many operators struggle to tell whether electrical problems come from aging equipment or from poor original construction. John explains that teams often cannot know the source until someone gets on site and investigates the equipment and wiring. If issues are not fixed at the root, downtime becomes a recurring problem. As John notes, “It’s going to keep happening over and over until you fix the issue at hand.” This cycle raises operating costs and slows production.
There is also a safety concern. When sites use outdated equipment or unclear wiring, troubleshooting takes longer and increases the risk of mistakes. At the same time, oilfield electrical standards continue to advance, and many older installations cannot support new automation tools. This leaves operators with limited flexibility to improve their sites.
Operations leaders want electrical construction that is clean, well-documented, and ready for future changes. They also want to avoid contractors who only install for the present without considering long term needs. The challenge is knowing which contractors have the right skills, training, and processes to support both construction and automation upgrades.
Commercial Electrical Contractors
A Practical Path Forward
Choosing the right contractor starts with verifying licensing and qualifications. John emphasizes that any contractor doing electrical work “needs to be licensed with the state… with correctly licensed individuals such as masters, journeymen, and apprentices.” This ensures the team follows code and industry standards.
The next step is reviewing the contractor’s experience in both electrical construction and automation. Strong commercial electrical contractors should show proven capability in controls, SCADA systems, and modern field communications. John explains that operators should look for “adequate in-house automation and control capabilities, as well as vendor partnerships and certifications.” These qualities show the contractor can support both new builds and future upgrades.
Teams should also evaluate whether the contractor designs with long term goals in mind. According to John, you want someone who can “prepare for any changes that may come” and install equipment today that supports upgrades tomorrow. This includes documentation, as builds, and clear labeling that make troubleshooting easier over the life of the site.
A contractor who can support automation upgrades will also have strong commissioning and lifecycle services. John notes that operators should look for adequate support for “commissioning, troubleshooting, lifecycle maintenance of the installation.” This ensures the contractor is a long-term partner, not just a onetime installer.
The Transformation or Results
When operators choose contractors with strong electrical construction and automation skills, they see better reliability across artificial lift systems, VFDs, tank batteries, and SWDs. Upgraded sites support new technology, reduce equipment failures, and lower long term repair needs. John explains that when teams rely on outdated equipment, they face more breakdowns and fewer replacement options. With modern systems, support and materials are easier to secure.
Automation also cuts travel, labor, and operating costs. As John describes, more producers are investing in SCADA so one person can monitor many sites from a single location. This reduces vehicle wear, fuel use, and unnecessary field time. Over time, operators gain better control of their sites, respond faster to issues, and spend less time reacting to equipment failures.
High quality work also leads to long term partnerships. When contractors provide clean installs and strong documentation, customers return for more projects. The biggest long-term value, according to John, is clear: reduced downtime and lower overhead costs. These benefits make strong electrical construction a smart investment for any operator looking to modernize.
Conclusion
Oil and gas operations depend on electrical systems that must be safe, reliable, and ready for change. Commercial electrical contractors who understand construction and automation offer the strongest long-term value. With licensing, experience, strong documentation, and proven automation capabilities, contractors can help operators move from outdated systems to modern, efficient sites. As John shows, investing in the right partner reduces downtime, cuts operating costs, and prepares teams for the future.
About the Guest
John Serr is the Head of Electrical for Design Solutions and Integration. He has more than 13 years of experience in artificial lift, troubleshooting, and electrical construction across the oil field. His field insight helps operators improve safety, reliability, and long-term performance.
About the Company
Design Solutions & Integration (DSI) is a faith based, 100 percent employee-owned company with more than 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. With 125 employees and operations across the Bakken and Permian Basin, DSI delivers electrical, automation, fabrication, engineering, and turnkey field services. The company focuses on integrity, long term partnerships, and high-quality solutions built through a vertically integrated model. Learn more at www.relyondsi.com.