Abstract: A submersible pumping system which, in one embodiment, includes a motor, a pump and a control circuit, or unit, coupled to the motor for controlling the operation of the motor is described. Using motor and sensor signals, the control unit detects various conditions within the pumping system and alters motor operation. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit initiates an oscillation sequence of applying a forward torque for a first preselected period of time, applying a reverse torque for a second preselected period of time, and then repeating the torque applying steps a selected number of times to eliminate an obstruction from the pump.