As Valentine’s Day approaches, FirstEnergy is urging customers to handle helium-filled foil balloons safely after they caused 24 power outages in Jersey Central Power & Light’s service area last year.
Across FirstEnergy’s footprint, metallic balloons were responsible for 96 outages in 2025, with JCP&L recording the highest number among the company’s operating utilities.
The metallic coating on foil balloons conducts electricity, and when released outdoors, balloons can drift into power lines or electrical equipment, triggering outages.
FirstEnergy officials said February is typically when balloon-related outages increase, as foil balloons often accompany Valentine’s Day gifts such as flowers, chocolates and cards.
Companywide, balloon-related outages have declined in recent years, dropping from 132 in 2020 to 96 in 2025 — a 27% decrease.
“Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest balloon-buying days of the year, and while they add a lot of fun to the celebration, foil balloons can cause real problems if they get loose. We’ve seen fewer balloon-related outages thanks to community outreach, but this special day is a great reminder to keep balloons secured and dispose of them properly. A few steps can help keep your loved ones smiling and the lights on for everyone in our local communities,” said Chad Stoneking, director of safety operations at FirstEnergy.
FirstEnergy recommends keeping metallic balloons away from overhead electric lines and securing helium-filled balloons to a weight heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Balloons should be punctured and deflated before disposal and should never be released into the sky.
Customers are also advised never to attempt to retrieve balloons or other objects caught in power lines or electrical equipment. Such incidents should be reported to FirstEnergy at 888-544-4877. Downed or low-hanging power lines should be treated as energized and dangerous, and residents should call 911 immediately.
