The system and method of the present invention includes an electrical to mechanical converter (EMC), such as a motor, and a hydraulic pump-and-cylinder arrangement that is connected to the electrical to mechanical converter for input, and to a sucker rod pump for output, in at least one embodiment. The entire assembly can be deployed below the level of the well fluid in a well. The EMC-driven hydraulic pump and cylinder can provide reciprocating linear motion to operate the sucker rod pump. In contrast, this linear motion is normally provided by sucker rods connected to a plunger inside a pump barrel and a pumping unit on the surface. The invention provides the required linear motion for the sucker rod pump to operate, but without the need for sucker and a surface pumping unit.