# Berry Petroleum: Thermal Heavy Oil Operator in Kern County, California

**TL;DR:** Berry Petroleum (NASDAQ: BRY) is an independent oil and gas company specializing exclusively in thermal heavy oil production in California's Kern County. The company uses steam flood enhanced oil recovery (EOR) to produce thick, heavy crude from mature fields including Midway-Sunset and McKittrick. Mineral owners should understand that thermal operations involve continuous steam injection, heavy oil pricing discounts, and California's challenging regulatory environment.

## Key Takeaways

- **Thermal Specialization**: Berry Petroleum focuses exclusively on steam flood EOR operations to produce heavy oil in California's San Joaquin Valley, requiring continuous steam injection to heat reservoirs and allow thick crude to flow
- **Kern County Operations**: The company operates in major thermal fields including Midway-Sunset (California's largest field), McKittrick, South Midway, and various diatomite formations
- **Heavy Oil Economics**: Production receives lower prices than light crude due to heavy oil discounts, and operations face California's stringent regulatory environment
- **Extended Field Life**: Enhanced oil recovery techniques allow production from fields that have been operating for over a century, providing long-term production potential
- **Mature Field Characteristics**: Owners should expect natural production declines typical of mature thermal operations despite ongoing EOR investment
- **Owner Contact**: Mineral owners can reach Berry Petroleum at 1-661-616-3900 or mail to 1999 Broadway, Suite 3700, Denver, CO 80202
- **Bakersfield Headquarters**: The company maintains a local presence in California's oil-producing region

## Page Highlights

**Company Profile**: Berry Petroleum trades on NASDAQ under ticker BRY and operates as an independent E&P company with headquarters in Bakersfield, California, specializing in thermal heavy oil recovery using steam flood enhanced oil recovery methods.

**Operating Focus**: The company operates exclusively in Kern County's San Joaquin Valley, concentrating on major thermal heavy oil fields including Midway-Sunset (California's largest field), McKittrick in western Kern County, South Midway Field, and various diatomite formations.

**Thermal Operations**: Unlike light oil operations in basins like the Permian, Berry's thermal operations require continuous steam injection to heat underground reservoirs and allow thick, heavy crude oil to flow, requiring significant ongoing investment but enabling production from century-old fields.

**Advantages for Mineral Owners**: Specialized thermal expertise, local Bakersfield headquarters providing regional presence, and extended field life through EOR techniques that can sustain production for decades.

**Considerations for Owners**: Heavy oil commands lower prices than light crude due to quality discounts, operations face California's challenging regulatory environment, and natural production declines are typical of mature fields.

**Owner Relations**: Mineral owners can contact Berry Petroleum by phone at 1-661-616-3900 or by mail at the Denver corporate office address.

## Related Topics

- [California Mineral Rights Guide](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/states/california)
- [California Resources Corp Guide](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/operators/california-resources-corp)
- [Aera Energy Guide](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/operators/aera-energy)
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