However, some of those balloons can cause serious problems. In the first four months of 2023, metallic balloons striking electric lines have caused 91 power outages in PG&E's service area and ...

Metallic balloons on power lines were the cause of 332 power outages for PG&E in 2023, according to the company, affecting more than 157,000 homes and businesses.

It seems to happen every year around this time: Utility officials blame metallic heart-shaped balloons for messing with electrical wires. And they're issuing warnings about the consequences.

Chocolates, flowers and helium-filled metallic balloons are popular Valentine’s Day gifts. Hold tight to those balloons on Feb. 14, though, as they can be a headache for energy companies.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Penelec’s parent company FirstEnergy is warning about the impact those metallic heart-shaped balloons can have on our power grid. It’s something they ...

The number of SCE outages caused by metallic balloons increased from 243 in 2000 to 569 in 2008, according to the utility.

“Mylar balloons have a metallic coating that conducts electricity,” Fox explains. “When they touch power lines they can cause large-scale outages, melting of electrical wires and even fires.

Metallic, or mylar, balloons have a conductive material that causes a short circuit when they contact energized power lines. Click here for LADWP's updated outage map.

What to Do If you happen to spot any mylar balloons tangled in power lines, call SoCalEdison at 1-800-611-1911. Safety Tips Metallic balloons should always be tied to a weight. Stores and vendors ...