Shiny Balloons and the Electric Grid: What Atlantic City Electric Wants You to Know

Photo: Times Observer

MAYS LANDING, N.J. - Mylar balloons come in contact with a power line or other electric equipment, their metallic properties can cause a surge of electricity that can impede equipment. Untethered balloons cause thousands of unnecessary electric service interruptions each year for Atlantic City Electric customers. These balloons also have been known to float for days and can end up having a negative impact on the environment. The good news is that these types of outages are easily preventable. Atlantic City Electric encourages customers to help reduce foil balloon-related power outages and ensure safety by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Keep balloons tethered at all times and attached to weights.

• Properly dispose of foil balloons by puncturing the balloon to release helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.

• NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon or toy that is entangled in an overhead power line. For assistance, call Atlantic City Electric at 1-800-833-7476.

• Always assume power lines are energized and keep yourself, your belongings and anything you are carrying at least 10 feet away at all times.

Atlantic City Electric customers can learn more safety tips by visiting atlanticcityelectric.com/Safety. Readers are encouraged to visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric’s online news room. For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit atlanticcityelectric.com. Follow the company on Facebook at facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric and on Twitter at twitter.com/acelecconnect. Our mobile app is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp.