Manitoba Hydro has announced that it's detonating implode connectors along its new transmission line route between Roquette's Pea Plant and Portage la Prairie. Constructive Supervisor Sean Traill says this will occur in roughly the next two weeks between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. beginning today.

Implode connectors are small engineered energy charges that are pre-wrapped around a specialized metallic sleeve. The charge causes an implosive compression that permanently connects two lines. It takes place in a split-second with a flash and loud banging sound, similar to fireworks being set off.

The use of implosive connectors gives a stronger and more electrically efficient connection. They significantly reduce construction time, impact the environment far less, and keep project costs down.