Ameren Illinois Reminds Customers to Keep Mylar Balloons Away From Power Lines
COLLINSVILLE – May means graduation season is upon us. As people gather for outdoor celebrations, Ameren Illinois is asking customers to properly dispose of Mylar balloons in an effort to reduce the potential for power outages. Mylar balloons are metallic and conduct electricity, resulting in surges and shorts that have the ability to knock out power, start fires, and cause significant damage to the electric grid. Each year, Ameren Illinois responds to numerous power outages caused by Mylar balloons contacting electrical equipment. The popular party accessories also pose an unnecessary safety hazard for linemen who must safely untangle and remove what’s left of the balloons from energized high voltage lines. “We realize this is the time of year when everyone is outside celebrating new graduates, newlyweds, birthdays, and spring holidays,” said George Justice, Vice President of Electric Operations for Ameren Illinois. “Keeping the balloons tethered and weighte
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