Power outage? One of these celebration balloons could be to blame
Graduations, weddings, Father's Day, Fourth of July — the summer is filled with special events often celebrated with decorations that could include Mylar helium balloons.
Public Service Electric & Gas is reminding customers that proper handling of these balloons can prevent them from drifting into power lines and causing some serious damage.
PSE&G Director of Emergency Preparedness Paul Toscarelli said on average there are hundreds of incidents a year, affecting more than 30,000 customers, interrupting them, mostly during this season involving Mylar balloons.
He said the metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity. So when this balloon touches a power line or even floats into a substation, it can short out the equipment, leading to downed wires, outages and even fires.