PG&E Reports 100+ Graduation-Season Outages, 46,000 Customers Affected by Metallic Balloons
PG&E reports that in the first five months of 2026, metallic balloons caused over 100 power outages, affecting more than 46,000 customers in its service territory. The utility warns that unsecured metallic balloons can short transformers, disrupt critical services and spark wildfires, after similar incidents burned thousands of acres.
1. Outage Statistics
In the first five months of 2026, metallic balloons contacting overhead power lines caused more than 100 power outages, interrupting electricity to over 46,000 customers in PG&E’s service territory. This surge during graduation season represents a marked increase in avoidable outages compared with prior periods.
2. How Metallic Balloons Cause Hazards
Metallic balloons have conductive coatings that can short transformers or damage wires when they contact overhead lines. Such incidents can trip circuits, spark fires and lead to widespread disruptions affecting homes, schools, hospitals and traffic signals.
3. Safety Recommendations and Operational Response
PG&E urges customers to secure helium-filled metallic balloons with weights, keep them indoors when possible and never release them outdoors. The company’s operations teams monitor line faults caused by foreign objects and dispatch crews immediately to restore power and ensure public safety.