PG&E To Customers: On Valentine's Day, Let Hearts Soar, Not Metallic Balloons

Rhea-AI Summary

PG&E warns customers about the dangers of metallic balloons during Valentine's Day, as they pose significant risks to power infrastructure. In 2024, metallic balloons caused 369 power outages across PG&E's service area in Northern and Central California, affecting over 230,000 homes and businesses.

The company emphasizes that metallic balloons can remain inflated for two to three weeks, creating prolonged hazards to power lines. To prevent outages and ensure safety, PG&E reminds customers that California law requires metallic balloons to be securely tied to weights and never released outdoors.

Key safety recommendations include using caution near overhead lines, securing balloons with appropriate weights, proper disposal by puncturing or cutting, and immediately reporting any balloon-related power line incidents to PG&E.

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• None.

Negative

• 369 power outages caused by metallic balloons in 2024
• Service disruption affecting over 230,000 customers
• Potential infrastructure damage and safety risks

Roses are Red, Chocolate is Sweet. 
Don't Let Wayward Balloons Cause an Outage on Your Street

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More metallic balloons are sold for Valentine's Day than any other holiday and, not surprisingly, it's also around this time of year that Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) sees an uptick in outages caused by metallic balloons drifting into overhead power lines. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, PG&E reminds its customers to make sure metallic balloons are always tied to a weight – as required by California law – and to never release them outdoors.

In 2024, metallic balloons caused 369 power outages across PG&E's service area in Northern and Central California, disrupting electric service to more than 230,000 homes and businesses. Unlike latex helium balloons, metallic balloons can stay inflated and floating for two to three weeks – posing a hazard to power lines and equipment even days after being released outside.

"On Valentine's Day, nothing puts a damper on a romantic evening faster than a widespread power outage. If your February 14 plans include metallic balloons, please keep them tied down with a weight. If they contact our overhead lines they can disrupt electric service to an entire neighborhood, cause significant property damage and potentially result in serious injuries," said Ron Richardson, PG&E's Vice President of Electric Distribution Operations.

Here's an example of what can happen when metallic balloons hit utility power lines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqFm52C1n5Q

In order to significantly reduce the number of balloon-caused outages and to help ensure that everyone can safely enjoy their Valentine's Day, PG&E reminds customers to follow these important safety tips for metallic balloons:

• "Look Up and Live!" – Use caution and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.
• Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.
• When done with balloons, do not release them. Puncture them several times or cut the knot and throw them in the garbage to prevent them from floating away.
• Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon — or any foreign object — tangled in power lines or inside a substation. There can be risk of electrocution. Instead, leave it alone and call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.
• Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay away, keep others away and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments.

About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company

FAQ

How many power outages did metallic balloons cause for PG&E (PCG) in 2024?

Metallic balloons caused 369 power outages across PG&E's service area in Northern and Central California in 2024.

How many PG&E (PCG) customers were affected by balloon-related outages in 2024?

Over 230,000 homes and businesses were affected by balloon-related power outages in PG&E's service area.

How long can metallic balloons remain a hazard to PG&E (PCG) power lines?

Metallic balloons can stay inflated and floating for two to three weeks, posing a prolonged hazard to power lines.

What are PG&E's (PCG) safety requirements for metallic balloons under California law?

California law requires metallic balloons to be securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away.