Celebrate safely during graduation season; keep metallic balloons securely fastened
OAKLAND, California—In the midst of graduation season, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is warning customers about the public safety risks associated with helium-filled metallic balloons: If your graduation celebration includes balloons, make sure they are weighted down. Otherwise, they can become detached and come into contact with overhead power lines, posing a public safety risk.
In the first five months of 2025, metallic balloons colliding with power lines caused more than 130 power outages in PG&E’s service area alone, disrupting service to more than 54,000 customers. These power outages can disrupt electric service to critical facilities, such as hospitals, schools, and traffic lights. Overall, PG&E is seeing an increase in the number of outages caused by metallic balloons during graduation season.
“Releasing balloons during graduation ceremonies may seem fun and festive, but if helium-filled metallic balloons come into contact with overhead lines, they can cause a widespread power outage. PG&E encourages graduates to celebrate safely by keeping metallic balloons weighted down,” said Ron Richardson, PG&E vice president of Electric Distribution.
Metallic balloons have a silver coating that conducts electricity. If the balloons escape and come into contact with power lines, they can short out transformers, cause blackouts, and melt electrical wires, posing risks to public safety. A few years ago, a homecoming parade on the North Shore ended in the shadows after a group of metallic balloons broke loose from a float and struck a power line, which fell energized. More than 2,700 customers were without power for most of the day, and Homecoming was canceled.
Here’s an example of what can happen when foil balloons touch power lines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqFm52C1n5Q
To ensure graduation celebrations with balloons are enjoyed responsibly, PG&E reminds customers to follow these important safety tips:
- “Look up and stay safe!” Be careful and avoid celebrating with foil balloons near overhead power lines.
- Make sure foil balloons inflated with helium have a weight tied to them heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.
- When possible, keep foil balloons indoors. For everyone’s safety, never allow foil balloons to be released in open spaces.
- Do not tie foil balloons together.
- Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite, or toy caught in a power line. Leave it there and immediately call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.
- Never approach a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume that downed power lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Keep your distance, keep others away, and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments.
