It’s graduation season which means many are celebrating, often with mylar balloons. Delmarva Power reminds customers of the negative impact that mylar balloons, also known as foil balloons, can have on the electric grid and environment.

Foil balloons are made with a metallic coated shell and when they are released and contact a power line, significant damage can occur leading to unnecessary power outages. From 2016 through 2025, there were 130 separate outage events in which nearly 22,900 Delmarva Power customers experienced an outage due to a mylar balloon contacting electric infrastructure.

Already in 2026, 3,137 Delmarva Power customers have experienced an outage caused by foil balloons. This equates to about 610 hours customers spent without power.

Below are a few tips from Delmarva Power that can help keep celebration events safe:

• Always keep balloons tethered or attached to weights.
• Properly dispose of foil balloons by puncturing a hole to release helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.
• Consider an alternative way to celebrate special holidays and events that does not involve balloons. Check out PreventBalloonLitter.org for unique ideas on how to celebrate, remember and honor the people who impact our lives without the use of balloons.

If a balloon is tangled in a power line, do not attempt to retrieve it. Contact Delmarva Power at 800-375-7117 for immediate assistance. Always assume lines are energized and be mindful of overhead wires when using a ladder and keep yourself and any equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines. For more information on electric safety tips, customers can visit delmarva.com/Safety.