In 1948 generators were installed at Heron Neck and the light was electrified.  The fog bell was replaced with a siren at this time.  The last lighthouse family left Heron Neck in 1948 as well, and after that time Coast Guard keepers served at the stag station.  The light was finally automated in 1982, the Fresnel lens was replaced with a 300mm optic and the keepers were removed.  On January 21, 1988 Heron Neck Light Station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.