Graduation often means celebrations involving balloons.
Atlantic City Electric is using this as a time to remind customers of the negative impact that Mylar balloons can have on the electric grid and the marine environment.
The foil balloons are made with a metallic coated shell and, when they are released and contact a power line, significant damage can occur leading to unnecessary power outages.
From 2015 through 2024, there were 228 separate outage events caused by Mylar balloons, leading to 18,500 Atlantic City Electric customers experiencing an outage.
There already have been 192 customers who lost power this year due to the balloons, equating to about 290 hours customers spent without power.
Balloons also can endanger marine wildlife because prevailing winds cause them to drift above the Atlantic Ocean, where they burst and fall into the sea. Marine mammals ingest the plastic and can become entangled in the ribbons that are attached. Additionally, helium is a non-renewable resource that should be reserved for scientific use.
Below are a few tips from Atlantic City Electric that can help keep celebration events safe:
If a balloon is tangled in a power line, do not attempt to retrieve it. Contact Atlantic City Electric at 800-833-7476 for immediate assistance.
Always assume lines are energized and be mindful of overhead wires when using a ladder and keep yourself and any equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines.
For more information on electric safety tips, visit atlanticcityelectric.com/Safety.
