Power outage to 1,200 customers caused by balloons

Rocky Mountain Power has restored power to approximately 1,200 customers after mylar balloons got caught in the power lines and disrupted transmission.

The balloons got tangled in the lines near 20 North 4000 East in Rigby at around 3:30 p.m.

Power was out for customers in Idaho Falls, Rigby, and Ririe.

33 customers nearest where the damage occurred are still without power while Rocky Mountain Power repairs the damage.

Here are some facts and safety reminders about mylar balloons courtesy of Rocky Mountain Power:

Because the mylar balloons have a metallic coating, they conduct electricity very well and can cause power outages and personal injury if mishandled.
When these balloons get into power lines, they cause sparks and arcing that can cause fires and result in the loss of electricity to homes, businesses, traffic lights and other services as happened today in the Rigby area.
Mylar balloons should be kept secured at all times and never released to float through the air.
Even if they escape and miss power lines going up, these balloons have been known to stay aloft for several days before losing their helium and falling back to earth – still with the potential to fall into power lines and electrical equipment on the way down.
If any type of balloon, kite or toy becomes caught in power lines, leave it alone and call Rocky Mountain Power at 1-888-221-7070 to report the problem.