ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas)

A major tight-oil producing region spanning North Dakota, Montana, and southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Subcontractors working here should expect high-volume horizontal drilling and multi-stage fracturing scopes. Seasonal road bans and remote logistics significantly impact crew mobilisation and equipment scheduling.

A chemical additive injected into pipelines to reduce turbulence and increase flow rates without adding compression. Subcontractors handling pipeline operations or chemical injection work may be scoped to install, maintain, or monitor DRA injection skids. Understanding DRA systems helps crews execute chemical handling tasks safely and meet operator flow assurance targets.

Provincial agencies in Canada that provide workplace injury insurance. Contractors must maintain WCB coverage and good standing to work on most sites.

A planned shutdown of a facility for maintenance, inspection, and repair. Turnarounds often require large numbers of contractors and subcontractors working intensive schedules.

The number of drilling rigs actively operating in a region. Published weekly by Baker Hughes, the rig count is a leading indicator of activity levels in the oil and gas industry.

A timeline that outlines when specific tools, equipment, or crews are deployed downhole or on-site during an operation, dictating when a subcontractor's services are required and for how long. For field service companies, the run schedule directly determines mobilisation timing, crew rotations, and invoiceable hours on location.

What Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?

An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.