First general blackout in Huancayo

On August 17, 1980, militants of the PCP-Sendero Luminoso knocked down a high-voltage power pole, causing the first general blackout in the city of Huancayo. This event was part of the first subversive actions of the PCP-SL in the region, which were characterized by attacks on the electrical infrastructure. The electrical transmission towers that supplied electricity from the Mantaro Hydroelectric Power Plant became a prime target for the subversives. During the first years (1980-1985), almost no casualties were recorded but there were numerous attacks against various targets, including police posts, public buildings, bridges and transmission towers.