Foil balloons caused a power outage that leaves 6,000 without electricity in Covington, near Cincinnati (US).
The recent power outage in the Cincinnati area is yet another reminder why consumers should be reminded of the dangers in releasing foil balloons.
Cincinnati.com reported on the outage, caused by a foil balloon coming into contact with a power line. Foil – or Mylar – balloons cause thousands of power outages every year across the US when they come in contact with power lines.
Each power outage can affect tens of thousands of people, leaving them without power for hours and can also cause fires, damage property and lead to injuries.
Authorities and local councils are urging people to celebrate with care if using the balloons.
“The metallic material, which gives Mylar balloons the attractive shine, also makes them energy conductors,” said Wayne Wisdom, Salt River Project (a power company based in Arizona) senior director of distribution grid services. “When they touch a power line or equipment at a substation, Mylar balloons can cause a surge in electricity, which can lead to a short circuit.”
“Never attempt to retrieve a balloon from an overhead power line,” added John Coggins, senior director of power delivery.
Power outages caused by Mylar balloons have reportedly been so problematic in California, a bill was introduced to the state assembly in 2016 that would have banned the sale of such balloons. The bill was rejected.
