As Valentine’s Day nears, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) urges customers to handle helium-filled foil balloons with care to prevent power outages. The metallic coating on these balloons can conduct electricity and disrupt the electric system if released outdoors.
A video detailing the dangers of foil balloons is available on FirstEnergy’s YouTube channel, and media can access soundbites via Dropbox.
February often sees an increase in power outages due to metallic balloons, which are commonly given as gifts during Valentine’s Day. Last year, 109 outages across FirstEnergy’s service area were attributed to foil balloons:
– The Illuminating Company: 13 outages
– Ohio Edison: 18 outages
– Toledo Edison: 9 outages
– Met-Ed: 18 outages
– Penelec: 8 outages
– Penn Power: 1 outage
– West Penn Power: 12 outages
– Mon Power: 3 outages
– Potomac Edison: 5 outages
– JCP&L: 22 outages
Lisa Rouse, Director of Distribution System Operations at FirstEnergy, stated, “While our community outreach has helped reduce balloon-related outages from previous years, people of all ages can help keep the lights on in our local communities by understanding the steps to take to eliminate the dangers posed by foil balloons.”
To ensure safe celebrations, FirstEnergy advises:
– Avoid using metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.
– Securely tie helium-filled metallic balloons to a weight that prevents them from floating away and do not remove it until deflated.
– Puncture and deflate metallic balloons when they are no longer needed; never release them into the sky.
– Do not attempt to retrieve any item caught in a power line; call FirstEnergy at 888-544-4877.
– Stay clear of downed or low-hanging power lines and report them immediately by calling 911.
FirstEnergy is committed to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies serve over six million customers across several states including Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company’s transmission subsidiaries manage over 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. More information can be found at www.firstenergycorp.com or on X @FirstEnergyCorp.
For media inquiries, contact Hannah Catlett at (440) 554-5346 or for investor information reach out to Karen Sagot at (330) 761-4286.
