Helicopter Stringing and Implosive Connectors
If you live or work near the project, you may notice a helicopter and hear some loud explosive sounds over the next few weeks. Helicopters are used to string the new transmission structures with conductor (wire).
During the wire stringing process we will be fusing portions of wire together using implosions. The implosions do not pose a safety risk to surrounding residences; however, they will emit a loud explosive sound. There should not be more than a few loud explosive sounds on days when this work is scheduled to occur. This work will be completed during day light hours only.
These activities are currently underway east of High River near the new Foothills Substation (between 498 Avenue and 434 Avenue). The work will continue north over the next few weeks and should reach the area of the Bow River by the end of February 2015.
For more information about helicopter stringing and implosive connectors, please click here.
Thank you for your patience.
The High River and Okotoks Transmission Project is part of an area transmission development called the Foothills Area Transmission Development (FATD). This development includes new transmission lines and upgrades to the electric system in Calgary and the communities south and east of the city. The majority of the transmission system in the area was built in 1985, since that time the population and industry has grown substantially. These projects will ensure power from new generation plants, including wind power from southern Alberta, is connected to Alberta’s electric grid and maintain a reliable supply of electricity to support the growth and demand in this area.