BGE Reminds Customers to Keep Foil-Coated Balloons Away From Power Lines

Metallic balloons can cause power outages for customers

BALTIMORE (Feb. 12, 2016) – While love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, airborne Mylar and other foil-coated balloons 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.

When foil-coated balloons contact a power line or other electric equipment, their metallic properties can cause a surge of electricity that can cause the equipment to short-circuit. These types of outages can be prevented.

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 a balloon or toy that is 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 for the season by visiting bge.com.

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BGE, headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, delivering 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. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with 2014 revenues of approximately $27.4 billion. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.