Municipal Light Plant

The Municipal Light Plant Advisory Board (MLPAB) is an advisory board to the Select Board in all matter related to the "Fiber to the Home" (FTTH) project currently underway.

The MLPAB is a five member board consisting of a Manager, a member representing the Select Board, Board of Assessors & Finance Committee respectively and a member at-large, all appointed by the Select Board.

Members

Name Title Representing
David Kulp MLP Manager  
Tom Carter   Select Board
George Stephan   Board of Asessors
Carol Lebold   Finance Committee
Mark Graves   Member at Large

Town Broadband Update

Applications Now Open for Town Broadband

Residents can now apply for home internet service at https://www.whipcityfiber.com/ashfield. Spread the word!

Ashfield is partnering with the town of Westfield through their municipal light plant, Westfield Gas & Electric, which provides fiber optic internet service to its residents as Whip City Fiber. Ashfielders can subscribe to incredibly fast 1 Gbps service with no data caps for $85 per month. For the vast majority of residents this is less than or similar to their monthly costs for DSL, satellite or cellular internet for a far superior service. Phone service is also available for $12.95 per month. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Construction has not yet begun, but we hope it will begin as soon as late spring. We are receiving subscriber applications now so that we are sure of the demand for service and are prepared to connect residents in an efficient manner as soon as possible.

If homeowners commit to 12 months of service before June 1 then installation is free for 90% of Ashfield homes. Up to a $3000 credit is available for non-standard installations. If your home exceeds the available credit you should have already received a letter indicating the estimated cost. If you did not receive a letter, your property is most likely within the credit allowance and installation is free.

If you want to sign up by phone, call Whip City Fiber at 1-833-WCF-CALL (1-833-923-2255).

If you have questions about Ashfield's internet, email the MLP Manager, David Kulp, at technology@ashfield.org or call him at 628-1045.

WireWest Refund Request

Ashfield has decided not to participate in WiredWest, the regional broadband cooperative, at this time. If you made a $49 deposit in 2015, you may request a refund. Instructions are available on the WiredWest website.


Meetings

The Municipal Light Plant Advisory Board meets as needed.   All meetings are advertised in advance and as required Massachusetts open meeting laws.

Minutes & Agendas

Current and past minutes and agendas are found on the Municipal Light Plant's "Minutes & Agenda" online folder. 

Documents

The Municipal Light Plant's documents folder.