The Murphy Electric Power Board issued a statement Monday, March 16, concerning changes in the way the company functions in light of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.

“In response to the Coronavirus pandemic Murphy Power Board is taking proactive steps to be sure we are prepared for the local challenges and impacts to our community that may come,” the statement reads. “For that purpose, we must change the way we function temporarily. We will continue to respond to service calls. New electric services will continue to be installed. Outage calls will continue to be taken 24/7 and employees will work to repair lines and restore electric service.”

The statement goes on, “The most notable chance involves the face to face business we do with our customers. The office will temporarily suspend face to face transactions but will be available by telephone to assist you. Payments and business mail normally passed through the window in the office to person can be left in the weekend drop box located at the front entrance or mailed.”

“Please do not leave cash in the outside drop box. Use a money order, check or other method available to you. Recognizing that this event may cause financial hardships we will be working with those impactive to help ease the burden and to provide extra time for recovery. Late payment fees will be waived and disconnections for non-payment/cutoff are currently suspended until May,” the statement concludes.