Metallic balloons can lead to power outages if not disposed of properly

BALTIMORE (Feb. 13, 2017) – While that special someone may catch your eye this Valentine's Day, don't lose sight of foil balloons, also known as Mylar balloons, that can lead to outages when they come into contact with power lines. Untethered balloons cause thousands of unnecessary electric service interruptions each year for BGE customers. These balloons have been known to float for days and can end up having a negative impact on the environment.

When foil-coated balloons contact a power line or other electric equipment, their metallic properties can cause a surge of electricity that can impede equipment. These types of outages are preventable.

BGE encourages customers to help reduce foil balloon-related power outages and ensure safety by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Keep balloons tethered at all times and attached to weights.
• Properly dispose of Mylar balloons by puncturing the balloon to release helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.
• NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve any object entangled in an overhead power line. For assistance, call BGE at 1-800-685-0123.
• Always assume power lines are live and keep yourself, your belongings and anything you are carrying at least 10 feet away from power lines. 
  

BGE customers can learn about more safety tips here.

###

 
BGE, founded in 1816 as the nation's first gas utility, is Maryland's largest natural gas and electric utility. Headquartered in Baltimore, BGE delivers power to more than 1.25 million electric customers and more than 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company's approximately 3,200 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas and electricity, as well as enhanced energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. The company also has an estimated annual economic impact of $5 billion of output in its service area, supporting more than 9,500 local jobs and producing $923 million in labor income. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation's leading competitive energy provider. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube  and Flickr.