Springs Utilities: Power outage caused by rogue balloon
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) said the cause of a large power outage on Monday, Feb. 26 was from a rogue balloon hitting an overhead line.
According to Springs Utilities, on Monday, a rogue Mylar balloon took an unexpected flight into an overhead line, briefly knocking out power for about 10,000 people.
The outage was reported shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Monday, according to Springs Utilities’ outage map. The outage impacted 9,852 customers northwest of Peterson Space Force Base and the Colorado Springs Airport, including the FOX21 News station, but power was quickly restored to the majority of customers just before 2:45 p.m.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) writes that Mylar balloons are made of a metal (foil) coated plastic such as polyethylene or nylon. The balloons usually have a shiny, reflective surface and often have designs with pictures and/or words.
“Remember, it only takes one balloon to turn the lights out on many. Do your part to keep the party going—safely!” wrote Springs Utilities.
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