PG&E: Let Hearts Soar, Not Metallic Balloons, This Valentine's Day

NORTH BAY, CA —PG&E is trying to get the word out on a safety message about celebrating Valentine's Day with metallic helium-filled balloons.

The utility company reminded customers to make sure metallic balloons are always tied to a weight—as required by California law— and to never release them outdoors.

"Please be very careful not to let them float into our overhead lines," said Megan McFarland, PG&E spokesperson for the North Coast. "They can knock out power to thousands of customers and create public safety hazards. This is a popular time of year for celebratory balloons and it’s no surprise we see an increase in balloon-caused outages."

In 2024, metallic balloons caused 369 power outages across PG&E’s service area in Northern and Central California, disrupting electric service to more than 230,000 homes and businesses. Unlike latex helium balloons, metallic balloons can stay inflated and floating for two to three weeks —posing a hazard to power lines and equipment even days after being released outside, according to PG&E.

Impact on PG&E’s North Coast

The impact of metallic balloons hitting powerlines was significant in Sonoma County, where six outages in 2024 knocked out power to 4,332 customers.

In the North Bay, there were 11 balloon-caused outages in 2024, impacting power to 6,426 customers.

"On Valentine’s Day, nothing puts a damper on a romantic evening faster than a widespread power outage," said Ron Richardson, PG&E's vice president of electric distribution operations. "If your February 14 plans include metallic balloons, please keep them tied down with a weight. If they contact our overhead lines they can disrupt electric service to an entire neighborhood, cause significant property damage and potentially result in serious injuries."

PG&E shared this video showing what can happen when metallic balloons hit utility power lines.

Safety Tips For Metallic Balloons

PG&E shared the following tips to ensure a safe Valentine's Day and fewer balloon-caused outages:

• "Look Up and Live!"— Use caution and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.
• Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.
• When done with balloons, do not release them. Puncture them several times or cut the knot and throw them in the garbage to prevent them from floating away.
• Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon — or any foreign object — tangled in power lines or inside a substation. There can be risk of electrocution. Instead, leave it alone and call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.
• Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay away, keep others away and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments.