APS serves more than 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
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Make Sparks Fly with your Valentine, not Mylar Balloons
APS cautions the public to use Mylar balloons safely, offers tips to prevent power outages
PHOENIX – While you prepare to celebrate the power of love this Valentine’s Day, Arizona Public Service (APS) warns Mylar balloons and power lines do not mix. Stray Mylar balloons can damage electrical equipment, endanger public safety and knock out power when they float into overhead lines.
Every year, APS crews respond to many preventable outages caused by balloons. In 2022, balloons were responsible for 60 power outages in APS’s service territory, impacting more than 28,400 customers. The metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity and can cause a short circuit or power surge that can lead to large-scale outages, melted electrical wires, fires, property damage and even injuries to people, pets and wildlife.
Although many balloon-related outages take place between Valentine’s Day and graduation season, it’s important to use these decorations wisely year-round.
Here are ways to keep the power flowing and stay safe while you celebrate:
- Only use balloons indoors and away from overhead power lines. Even non-metallic balloons can become entangled in lines and knock out power.
- Secure metallic balloons with a weight, tie them down or keep them tethered.
- Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite or object that becomes caught in a power line. Instead, report tangled balloons or objects in APS power lines by calling the APS Outage Hotline at (602) 371-3680 or (855) 688-2437 or visiting aps.com/outage.
- Puncture and deflate balloons to dispose of them properly when no longer in use.
- Always assume power lines are energized. Stay at a safe distance and keep yourself and all items at least 100 feet away from power lines.
These photos and video demonstration show what happens when metallic balloons come in contact with overhead power lines. (This video is for demonstration purposes only and was performed by a trained APS lineman using proper safety equipment in a controlled environment.)
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