Delmarva — As summer celebrations and graduation parties increase, Delmarva Power is cautioning residents to keep Mylar balloons, also known as foil balloons, secured and away from power lines to prevent avoidable outages. The utility reports that in the first five months of 2025, 235 customers experienced power interruptions due to Mylar balloons coming into contact with electrical lines, resulting in more than 270 hours of lost electricity. The metallic coating on these balloons can cause significant damage when it touches power equipment.
This issue is not new. From 2015 through 2024, Delmarva Power recorded 123 outages linked to Mylar balloons, affecting nearly 22,000 customers in the region. To promote safer celebrations, Delmarva Power advises residents to always keep Mylar balloons tethered or weighted. After use, balloons should be popped to release helium before being disposed of properly. The company recommends considering balloon-free alternatives. Residents should never attempt to retrieve balloons tangled in power lines and should instead contact Delmarva Power for assistance. Additionally, it is important to maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet from power lines when using ladders or other outdoor equipment. Delmarva Power emphasizes that these outages are entirely preventable and urges the public to help reduce power interruptions as summer activity intensifies.
