PG&E Warns Metallic Balloons Spark Hundreds of Power Outages; Urges Safety Before Valentine's Day

Oakland warning ahead of Valentine’s Day

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb 9 (Reuters) - Pacific Gas and Electric Co. warns that metallic (foil) balloons used for Valentine’s Day are causing a rising number of preventable power outages and safety hazards across its Northern and Central California service area. The utility cites nearly 350 balloon-related outages in 2025 that cut power for about 165,000 customers and disrupted homes, businesses and critical facilities, including traffic signals, schools and hospitals.

Balloon-linked outages threaten traffic, hospitals and homes

PG&E says metallic balloons are highly conductive and can remain aloft for weeks, allowing them to contact overhead power lines days or even weeks after a celebration and cause instant outages and equipment damage. The company stresses that these incidents create dangerous conditions for the public and for first responders who may be called to scenes with dangling or arcing lines, and it links the uptick in incidents to holiday balloon use.

Ron Richardson, PG&E vice president of Electric Distribution Operations, urges customers to secure helium-filled metallic balloons with weights heavy enough that they cannot float away and to never release them outdoors. The utility warns that attempts to retrieve balloons from power lines or substations risk electrocution and can escalate outages into life-threatening emergencies, and notes that responding to such events can divert emergency resources.

The company provides clear, practical guidance to reduce outages: "Look Up and Live" by avoiding balloon use near overhead electric lines; keep balloons tied to weights and never remove the weight; puncture balloons or cut their knots for disposal so they cannot escape; never touch or approach fallen or dangling lines; and report problems to PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. PG&E’s release, datelined Oakland, emphasizes that simple, inexpensive precautions can significantly reduce outages.

Regulatory reminder and disposal advice

PG&E reminds customers that California law requires metallic balloons be secured with a weight and reiterates its disposal advice to prevent later escapes that can contact infrastructure. The utility highlights that prevention not only spares homeowners inconvenience but also protects schools, hospitals and traffic systems from avoidable interruptions.

Community safety appeal

The company frames the warning as a community safety appeal ahead of Valentine’s Day, noting that small actions — securing balloons, proper disposal and reporting hazards — protect critical infrastructure and first responders while preventing costly, avoidable outages.