Don’t foil the fun! PECO Shares Tips on Keeping Balloons Away from Power Lines
June 11, 2026Foil balloons have impacted nearly 1,300 customers so far this year
With graduation season underway, PECO urges you to use caution when celebrating with mylar balloons.
When these foil balloons contact power lines or electric equipment, their metallic coating can cause electrical surges that can damage infrastructure, disrupt service, and impact the environment.
In 2025, mylar balloons caused 55 outage events, leaving more than12,000 PECO customers without power. Already in 2026, 17 outages caused by foil balloons have impacted nearly 1,300 PECO customers.
These types of outages are preventable. Follow these simple safety tips:
NEVER release foil balloons outdoors.
NEVER attempt to retrieve a balloon or toy that is entangled in an overhead power line.
NEVER touch a power line.
ALWAYS keep balloons tethered and attached to weights. ALWAYS dispose of foil balloons by puncturing the balloon to release helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.
ALWAYS assume power lines are energized and keep yourself, your belongings, and anything you are carrying at least 10 feet away at all times.
For assistance, call PECO at 1-800-841-4141.
PECO customers can learn more about safety tips at peco.com/Safety.
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