The Hanoi Times - The Son La hydroelectric power plant will likely go online in late 2010, two years earlier than planned, according to its owner – state-run Electricity of Vietnam Group (EVN).

The VND 42.5 trillion (US$ 2.4 billion) plant, which started construction in 2005, will test run in November next year and generate power by the following month.

Coming in ahead of time will save the company $USD 1 million, according to EVN.

Once it swings into full operation in 2012, the plant built on Da River, will generate 9.4 billion kWh a year.

The building of the plant has had adverse impacts on the lives of local residents. Close to 91,000 people from 18,000 households were relocated in order for the plant to open its doors.