The Imperial Irrigation District reminds the public that Mylar balloons can cause problems for the electrical distribution system.

With Mother's Day and graduation ceremonies approaching, balloons made of Mylar and filled with helium are in demand. The IID asks that if you have Mylar balloons you secure them and then properly dispose of them. When the helium-filled balloons float away they can cause large-scale power outages, melt electrical wires, cause fires and even lead to injuries and property damage. The district says that when you buy Mylar balloons, request a clip or balloon weight. 

Since 2022, there has been 55 power outages caused by Mylar balloon contact alone. These outages not only cause problems for the affected customers, but they also cost the IID an estimated hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment damage, fuel costs and wages.