Shiny balloons are causing Central Coast power outages. Follow these safety tips
With summer celebrations underway, Pacific Gas & Electric Company is warning residents about the safety risks associated with metallic balloons in California.
“Helium-filled metallic balloons can pose a serious public safety risk if they are not tied to a weight,” PG&E said in a May 14 news release, drifting into overhead power lines and causing outages.
In the first five months of 2026, the utility company saw 100-plus power outages relating to metallic balloons.
Those outages interrupted services to more than 46,000 customers, PG&E said.
Here’s how to display balloons safely while celebrating:
Why do balloons cause power outages?
Balloons can be made of rubbery latex or Mylar, a durable, flexible polyester film.
Although Mylar doesn’t conduct electricity, shiny metallic balloons made with the plastic material have an external coating that conduct electricity, according to Silicon Valley Power in Santa Clara
“When the balloon’s conductive coating hits the active electrical line, this creates a momentary spike in electricity and short‑circuits the power line, resulting in potential outages, fires and damage to equipment,” Silicon Valley Power said.
Latex balloons can also cause power outages, but these are less common than outages caused by metallic balloons, New Orleans-based power company Entergy Corp. said.
Balloon strings can get wrapped up in power lines, pulling the lines together and resulting in outages.
Floating balloons are filled with lightweight gases. Some gases include helium, hydrogen, hot air, ammonia and methane, according to the National Aviation Academy.
“PG&E typically sees more balloon-related outages during graduation season, which is why the company is urging customers to take a few simple precautions before celebrating outdoors,” the utility company said in the release.
How many power outages did balloons cause in SLO County?
According to PG&E, San Luis Obispo County had one power outage caused by metallic balloons so far in 2026. Two customers were affected, and the outage lasted 92 minutes.
Other California counties have also seen power outages due to metallic balloons in 2026.
- Monterey County: Four outages impacting 3,042 customers for almost six months
- Santa Cruz County: Two outages impacting 301 customers for 20 days
- Santa Barbara County: Five outages impacting 1,248 customers for seven weeks
Is releasing Mylar balloons against the law in California?
Under California law, it is illegal to release balloons outdoors that are made of electrically conductive material and that are filled with gas that is lighter than air.
Violating this rule for the first time an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $100.
If you’re caught illegally releasing balloons twice, you could be charged with a misdemeanor.
How can I practice balloon safety?
PG&E encourages people to not use metallic balloons near electric lines and to not bundle them together.
Helium-filled metallic balloons should be tied down to a weight that is heavy enough to stop them from floating away.
“When possible, keep metallic balloons indoors. Never permit metallic balloons to be released outside, for everyone’s safety,” the electric company stated.
You should never attempt to remove balloons, kites or toys that are caught in power lines.
Instead, remain at a safe distance away from fallen power lines, which should be considered energized and extremely dangerous.
If you witness a fallen power line, you can call 911.
This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 1:43 PM.
