What are MPAN and MPRN numbers and where can you find them?

*Updated April 17, 2024

If you’ve ever switched business gas and electricity, you’ve probably been asked for your MPAN and MPRN numbers. These are unique numbers that allow suppliers to identify the property at which you're looking to switch energy.

Here’s all you need to know about what they are and how to find them.

What is an MPAN number?

Your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is the unique identity reference number for your electricity meter. Sometimes called an ‘S number’ or ‘Supply Number’, your MPAN should be easy to spot on your meter or bill as it’s a 21-digit number that begins with an ‘S’. 

Your MPAN is essentially an electricity reference number that is unique to your premises and is used by energy suppliers to identify your electricity supply point. This means that, unlike your customer reference number, it won’t change if you switch business electricity suppliers.

Here’s an example of what your MPAN number on your bill should look like:

What do the digits on an MPAN mean?

Here’s a breakdown of what all the digits on your electricity MPAN number relate to:

Profile class

Shown as ‘01’ in the example above, the first two numbers after the S refer to your meter’s profile class. 

This is used to give suppliers an idea of the typical electricity usage at your property, and the different classes break down as follows:

• Profile Class 1 (01) - Domestic Unrestricted Customers.
• Profile Class 2 (02) - Domestic Economy 7 Customers.
• Profile Class 3 (03) - Non-Domestic Unrestricted Customers.
• Profile Class 4 (04) - Non-Domestic Economy 7 Customers.
• Profile Class 5 (05) - Non-Domestic Maximum Demand (MD) Customers with a Peak Load Factor (LF) of less than 20%.
• Profile Class 6 (06) – Non-Domestic Maximum Demand Customers with a Peak Load Factor between 20% and 30%.
• Profile Class 7 (07) – Non-Domestic Maximum Demand Customers with a Peak Load Factor between 30% and 40%.
• Profile Class 8 (08) – Non-Domestic Maximum Demand Customers with a Peak Load Factor over 40%.
• Profile Class 00 - Peak load usage of electricity above 100 kW.

Peak Load Factor is the ratio of electricity (measured in kWh) used in a given period, divided by the total possible kilowatt-hours that could have been used in the same period, at the peak kW level your business can use. It essentially refers to the way in which your business uses electricity.

It’s also worth noting that Ofgem regulation P272 means that if your meter’s S number is between 05 and 08, your meter will automatically be re-profiled as half-hourly meters.

Meter Time Switch Code (MTC)

The next three numbers (shown as 123 above) refer to whether your meter is a single rate or time of use meters. Most businesses will have a single rate, but certain businesses benefit from different day/night rates or weekend rates.

Line Loss Factor (LLF)

The next three numbers (shown as 456 above) refer to the Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges. Line loss is the amount of electricity lost as it is supplied to your meter, and this is the fee charged to suppliers by the distribution network, to cover the cost of using the networks and cables in your area. 

This is why you may find your electricity bills are more expensive on any premises that are further away from a distribution centre - more distance means longer wires, which equals higher resistance and greater line loss. Around 7% of all electricity generated is lost in this way, and can also occur as a result of energy theft, metering inaccuracies or errors with unmetered fixtures, such as street lights. 

Distribution ID

The next two digits (shown as 16 above) identify the regional distribution company for your electricity supply. This is the number you need to use to find out which distribution company operates the electricity network in your area and is responsible for the management of the wires that deliver electricity to your property. 

Meter Point ID

The next eight digits are usually split into to (shown as 6789 and 0123 above) identifies your meter and is unique to your distribution area. 

Check digit

The final three-digit number (shown as 222 above) is calculated from the Distributor ID and Meter Point ID numbers to verify both numbers.

How to find your MPAN number

Unlike your MPRN for the gas network, the MPAN number isn’t actually printed anywhere on your electricity meter. The simplest way to find your MPAN number is to check the top left or bottom right of your last electricity bill. 

If you haven’t got a previous bill to hand, you can get your electricity supply number by ringing your regional electricity supplier on one of the numbers below. The ID numbers shown should correlate to the Distribution ID on your meter, depending upon your region. 

If you’re still not sure on the operator for your area, you can look it up with the Energy Networks Association. 

What is an MPRN number?

A Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) is the identity reference number for your gas meter. Sometimes called an ‘M’ number, this code is made up of between six and 10 numbers and is unique to your business premises. This means that, unlike your customer reference number, it won’t change if you switch business gas suppliers.

Here’s an example of what your MPRN number on your bill should look like:

Is my gas meter serial number the same as MPRN?

No. Your gas meter serial number (MSN) is a number that’s on your physical meter box. It’s made up of letters and numbers. It acts like an ID for your meter box. 

• If you have a standard meter, the MSN is normally above or below the barcode. It’s a long number between 9 and 12 digits. For gas meters, the number normally starts with ‘L’ and ends with ‘M’. 
• If you have a business smart meter the MSN is normally on the front of the meter box, right by the barcode. On electricity smart meters, the number starts with either 14P or 15P. On gas smart meters, it starts with G4P. 

How to find your MPRN number

If you want to know where to find your MPRN number on your gas meter, check on your meter for a number of between six and 10 digits. You’ll also be able to find your MPRN number on a gas bill, usually listed under ‘Details of charges’ and listed as ‘Meter Point Reference’.

If your gas meter point reference number begins with ‘74’ or ‘75’ then your gas is supplied by an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT). Although Ofgem, the energy regulator, caps the amount IGTs can charge, rates are often more expensive when you get your gas in this way.

Can I find my MPAN number on my meter? 

No, you won’t find your MPAN number on your electricity meter. It’ll be on your last electricity bill - most likely in the top lefthand corner or bottom right. 

How can I find my MPAN and MRPN numbers without a bill? 

If you can’t find the gas meter number on your meter and you don’t have a bill to hand, you can get your MPRN by entering your building name or number and postcode at Find My Supplier. 

To find your MPAN number you can try searching on UK Power Networks or call your local distribution network using the table above. You can also try calling the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524. If you still can't find your numbers, give the tech-enabled experts at Bionic a call.

Why do you need to know your energy meter numbers?

Your MPAN and MPRN  aren’t something you’ll need to use very often, and it’s likely you’ll only ever come across them when moving business premises or switching energy suppliers. It’s important that you do know your electricity supply number and gas supply number in both these instances, as both are unique to your property and let your supplier know they have the right meter.

If you’re moving into new business premises, you might need to give your supplier the MPAN and MPRN numbers from both your old and new properties.

Does my MPAN and MPRN change with a new meter? 

An MPAN number or MPRN number identifies each individual meter – so if you add another location to your business, then you’ll have a new meter and number at the added location. This won’t replace your existing meter numbers – you'll just have another one. 

Will your MPAN and MPRN change if you switch suppliers?

Your MPAN and MPRN identify the meter at your property, so the only time these numbers will change is if you move to new premises. If you switch suppliers but don’t move to new business property, your numbers won’t change. 

What is an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT)? 

If your business is situated in a rural area, then you may have your gas delivered by an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT), this is an independent company that manages the gas pipes that supply your home. But for the majority of the UK, gas is supplied through the National Grid. 

Compare, switch and renew with Bionic

The simplest way to switch business gas and business electricity suppliers is to get in touch with Bionic’s business energy experts.

One call to our tech-enabled team is all it takes to compare deals from our panel of trusted suppliers, switch to a better deal and potentially save hundreds of pounds - money which can be put straight back into your business.

Start a business energy price comparison online today or give our team a call on 0800 077 3701.