Love Is in the Air, But Foil Balloons Don't Belong There
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
News Market Reaction – FE
On the day this news was published, FE gained 0.57%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
FE is up 1.79%, with key regulated electric peers also higher: AEE +1.06%, ES +2.82%, EIX +2.28%, PPL +0.59%, WEC +1.03%, suggesting a supportive sector backdrop rather than company-specific reaction to this safety-focused release.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 09 | Grid upgrade project | Positive | +0.4% | Monmouth County grid upgrades under larger <b>$28 billion</b> investment plan. |
| Feb 04 | Regulatory filing | Neutral | -1.0% | Pennsylvania Default Service Plan outlining power procurement from 2027. |
| Feb 04 | ESG/community update | Neutral | -1.0% | Report on tree-planting efforts and community environmental initiatives. |
| Feb 04 | Clean bus pilot | Positive | -1.0% | Approval of <b>$11.1 million</b> Maryland electric school bus pilot program. |
| Jan 30 | Customer bill credits | Positive | +0.0% | Maryland energy relief bill credits to over <b>247,000</b> residential customers. |
Recent operational and community-related updates have mostly seen modest share-price reactions, with one notable divergence on a positive regulatory approval.
Over recent months, FE news has focused on grid reliability upgrades, regulatory planning and community initiatives. A Monmouth County upgrade project tied to a $30 million spend within a broader $28 billion plan saw a small positive move. Positive items like Maryland bill credits and an electric bus pilot had limited or mixed price impact. Today’s balloon-safety communication fits this pattern of operational and public-safety messaging with generally modest trading responses.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement emphasizes public safety and reliability by highlighting that foil balloons caused 96 outages in 2025, down from 132 in 2020, a 27% decrease. It showcases FE’s focus on community education across a network serving more than six million customers and operating about 24,000 miles of transmission lines. Investors may monitor how such outreach supports reliability metrics and customer relations alongside FE’s broader investment and regulatory initiatives.
Key Terms
transmission lines technical
substation technical
AI-generated analysis. 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
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/love-is-in-the-air-but-foil-balloons-dont-belong-there-302685362.html
SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
FAQ
Why is FirstEnergy (FE) warning about foil balloons before Valentine's Day 2026?
How many power outages did foil balloons cause in FirstEnergy's service area in 2025?
What safety steps does FirstEnergy recommend to prevent balloon-related outages (FE)?
Which FirstEnergy service areas saw the most balloon-related outages in 2025?
How can customers report balloon-related power problems to FirstEnergy (FE)?
