A single balloon triggered a power disruption across four districts of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on the evening of October 19, after entering the open switchyard at the Aksa Tashkent thermal power plant. According to Uzbekistan’s Energy Ministry, the balloon triggered a transformer protection system, causing the facility’s power output to plunge from 460 megawatts to 185 megawatts. The sudden reduction affected electricity supplies in Yunusabad, Almazar, Mirzo-Ulugbek, and Shaykhantakhur, temporarily leaving residents without power. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the balloon entering the electrical installation, followed by a bright flash as the incident unfolded. The disruption highlighted how an apparently harmless object can interfere with sensitive high-voltage infrastructure and activate protective systems designed to prevent more serious equipment damage. Authorities responded by arranging alternative electricity supplies while the affected system was stabilized.

The Energy Ministry said electricity supplies were fully restored in approximately 30 minutes through backup sources, limiting the duration of the outage. Although the incident was temporary, the sharp reduction in plant output demonstrated the potential consequences of foreign objects entering exposed electrical equipment. Switchyards contain high-voltage components that can experience dangerous electrical faults when conductive objects or other foreign materials interfere with the system. Protective mechanisms are designed to isolate faults and reduce the risk of damage, but their activation can also interrupt power delivery to surrounding areas. Following the incident, the ministry urged the public not to launch balloons near power plants or electrical substations, warning that such activities can create avoidable disruptions. The episode serves as a reminder that seemingly minor actions near critical infrastructure can have consequences for thousands of electricity customers.