Ameren Illinois Reminds Residents to Keep Mylar Balloons Secure During Spring Celebrations

GraniteCityGossip.com, May 7, 2026

With graduation parties and spring gatherings underway across the Metro East, Ameren Illinois is reminding customers to be cautious with Mylar balloons, which can cause significant power outages if they drift into electrical lines.

According to Ameren, metallic balloons that escape into the air can become entangled in power equipment, leading to outages that affect entire neighborhoods. Since 2021, the utility has responded to more than 170 balloon‑related outages across its service area.

Ameren encourages residents to:

Keep Mylar balloons weighted down at all times
Avoid releasing balloons outdoors
Bring balloons inside after events
Never attempt to remove a balloon caught in power lines

If a balloon becomes tangled in electrical equipment, Ameren advises residents to assume the line is live and stay away, never try to retrieve it yourself. Customers should call 800‑755‑5000, and a crew will be dispatched to safely remove it.

As celebrations continue throughout the season, Ameren asks the community to help keep festivities safe by preventing accidental outages and protecting wildlife and livestock that may encounter balloon debris.