Metallic Balloons Trigger Widespread Power Outage in East Bay
A recent incident in the SanLeandro area has highlighted the potential dangers of metallic balloons, also known as mylar balloons. On a chilly evening, with temperatures dipping into the mid-40s, over 3,000 customers were left without power due to a widespread outage. The outage began at 5:20 p.m., plunging more than 5,300 customers into darkness, according to Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) spokesperson Edgar Hopida. By 7:27 p.m., power was restored to nearly 1,900 customers, leaving approximately 3,500 still without electricity. PG&E estimated that power would be restored by 4 a.m. the following day.
The cause of this disruption? Metallic balloons. These balloons have a silvery coating that conducts electricity, which can short transformers and melt electric wires when they come into contact with utility equipment. As PG&E spokesperson Jennifer Robinson previously explained, this phenomenon is not new. In 2020, a single metallic balloon caused a power outage affecting 7,600 customers in San Francisco's North Beach and Russian Hill neighborhoods. In the first four months of that year alone, utility officials reported 94 PG&E power outages caused by metallic balloons, impacting more than 44,000 homes and businesses.
The issue is not limited to San Francisco. In October, a metallic balloon contributed to a power outage affecting thousands of Oakland residents. Alameda Municipal Power warns individuals handling mylar balloons to be cautious around power lines, as these balloons can cause explosions and outages when they come into contact with high-voltage lines. The department emphasizes that mylar balloons have caused power outage incidents in Alameda every year.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with metallic balloons and the importance of public awareness and safety measures.
