LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- Officials with a new $25 million hydroelectric power plant in Lawrence say the plant is expecting to begin producing electricity by Friday.

Leaders with the Bowersock Mills & Power Co. said the plant on the Kansas River will start operating about a month ahead of schedule. They say the summer drought allowed construction to proceed with few disruptions.

However, The Lawrence Journal-World reports (http://bit.ly/SeQcfl ) the reduced water levels in the river means the plant will not be able to produce electricity at full capacity right away. It will eventually generate enough electricity to power about 5,400 homes.

The plant will sell its electricity to the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Public Utilities.