(Newark, NJ – June 6, 2025) June marks graduation season across New Jersey, bringing celebrations—and often, balloons. PSE&G urges customers to celebrate safely and responsibly, especially when using metallic (Mylar) balloons, which can pose a serious risk to the electric system and public safety if released into the air.

The average number of reports of Mylar balloons coming into contact with our electric equipment nearly doubles in the month of June. Mylar balloons may seem harmless, but there can be serious consequences if they float into electrical equipment. We ask everyone celebrating to keep balloons securely tied down and never release them outdoors.

Why? Because the metallic coating on these balloons conducts electricity. If a balloon makes contact with power lines or substation equipment, it can cause power outages, downed wires and even fires or injuries.

The safety of our customers and employees is our number one value. To reduce the risk of outages and injuries and celebrate safely, customers should keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Mylar balloons should be kept away from overhead power lines and all utility equipment.
• Never release balloons outdoors, especially near power lines or substations.
• Make sure balloons are secured to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away.
• Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon that’s caught in power lines. Extending poles or sticks of any kind toward a power line can expose you and others to electrocution hazards. Call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).
• Always properly dispose of Mylar balloons safely by puncturing the balloon in several places to release the helium and prevent the balloon from flying away.

We are committed to maintaining a safe, reliable electric system—and customers can help by keeping balloons grounded this month and all year long.

For more safety information, visit www.pseg.com/safety.

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About PSE&G
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation’s largest utilities. PSE&G has won the ReliabilityOne® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 23 consecutive years. For the third consecutive year, PSE&G is the recipient of the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award in the Energy Efficiency Program Delivery category. In addition, in 2024 J.D. Power named PSE&G number one in customer satisfaction with residential electric service and gas service in the east among large utilities. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 17 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).