Love Is in the Air, But Foil Balloons Don't Belong There
FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) urges customers to avoid releasing helium-filled metallic (foil) balloons ahead of Valentine's Day because the balloons can conduct electricity and contact power lines, causing outages.
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Rhea-AI Summary
FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) urges customers to avoid releasing helium-filled metallic (foil) balloons ahead of Valentine's Day because the balloons can conduct electricity and contact power lines, causing outages.
In 2025, foil balloons caused 96 outages across the service area, down from 132 in 2020 (a 27% decrease). The company serves over 6 million customers and operates about 24,000 miles of transmission lines.
Positive
- Balloon-related outages fell 27% from 2020 to 2025
- Company serves over 6 million customers
- Transmission network spans approximately 24,000 miles
Negative
- Foil balloons still caused 96 outages in 2025
- JCP&L experienced 24 balloon-related outages in 2025
- February shows a recurring seasonal uptick in balloon outages
Details
News Market Reaction – FE
On Feb 11, the day this news came out, FE closed 0.57% above the previous close.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Feb 11 session.
Key Figures
- Balloon-related outages 2025
- 96 outages
- Across FirstEnergy’s service area in 2025
- Outages 2020
- 132 outages
- Balloon-related outages in 2020
- Outage reduction
- 27% decrease
- Drop in balloon-related outages from 2020 to 2025
- JCP&L outages
- 24 outages
- 2025 balloon-related outages at JCP&L
- Service customers
- more than six million
- Customers served across six states
- Transmission network length
- 24,000 miles
- Transmission lines operated by subsidiaries
- Outage hotline
- 888-544-4877
- Number to report balloon or object on lines
- Utility territories listed
- 10 utilities
- Subsidiaries with balloon-related outage counts
Historical Context
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Monmouth County grid upgrades under larger $28 billion investment plan.
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Pennsylvania Default Service Plan outlining power procurement from 2027.
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Report on tree-planting efforts and community environmental initiatives.
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Approval of $11.1 million Maryland electric school bus pilot program.
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Maryland energy relief bill credits to over 247,000 residential customers.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
transmission lines technical
substation technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
FirstEnergy encourages safe balloon handling to keep the energy alive
While we've seen a decrease in the number of balloon-related outages in recent years, February is usually the time of year outages caused by metallic balloons increase. The balloons often accompany popular Valentine's Day gifts like chocolates, flowers and cards. Last year, foil balloons were to blame for 96 power outages across FirstEnergy's service area, with cupid striking more often in
- The Illuminating Company – 9 balloon-related outages
- Ohio Edison – 16 balloon-related outages
- Toledo Edison – 7 balloon-related outages
- Met-Ed – 12 balloon-related outages
- Penelec – 9 balloon-related outages
- Penn Power – 4 balloon-related outages
- West Penn Power – 5 balloon-related outages
- Mon Power – 5 balloon-related outages
- Potomac Edison – 5 balloon-related outages
- JCP&L – 24 balloon-related outages
Safer balloon practices are helping: outages fell from 132 in 2020 to 96 in 2025, a
Chad Stoneking, Director of Safety Operations at FirstEnergy: "Valentine's Day is one of the biggest balloon-buying days of the year, and while they add a lot of fun to the celebration, foil balloons can cause real problems if they get loose. We've seen fewer balloon-related outages thanks to community outreach, but this special day is a great reminder to keep balloons secured and dispose of them properly. A few steps can help keep your loved ones smiling and the lights on for everyone in our local communities."
How to Celebrate Safely
Celebrate holidays and events safely with these tips:
- Use caution and keep metallic balloons away from overhead electric lines.
- Securely tie helium-filled metallic balloons to a weight heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Leave the weight on until the balloons are deflated.
- Puncture and deflate metallic balloons when you're done with them. Never release them into the sky.
- Never try to retrieve balloons, kites or toys caught in a power line, substation or any other electrical equipment. Immediately call FirstEnergy at 888-544-4877 to report the problem.
- Stay far away from a downed or low-hanging power line and always assume they are energized and dangerous. Report them ASAP by calling 911.
A video discussing the hazards posed by foil balloons and tips for safe disposal is available on FirstEnergy's YouTube channel.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
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