When the Town of Estes Park took over the Fall River Hydroplant in 1945, it faced tremendous challenges. Between 1940 and 1951, population in the area increased 63%, meaning lots of new residents who wanted electricity in their homes. The year the Town took over the plant, there were 1100 customers. Demand increased every year. In 1946, the lights came on in Glen Haven. In 1948, lines were finally laid to Allenspark, 10 miles to the south. In 1948 alone, 500 new clients were added to the distribution system. Clearly more power was demanded of the little plant than could ever be produced.

    After 1950, The Fall River Hydroplant was no longer the sole provider of electricity to the Estes Park area. A federal hydroplant in Wyoming provided additional power, taking the stress off the already strained plant. In 1974, Estes Park joined the Platte River Power Authority, which became the wholesale provider of power for the Estes Park area. Mr. Stanley's plant on the Fall River became less and less essential. However, the plant never fell out of use. It was used to cut power rates when demand was at its greatest in the summer months. The plant allowed the Town to save money on power, and to pass those savings on to the consumer. 

The Fall River Hydroplant would probably still be in use today if it wasn't for the events of July 15, 1982.