You will have seen your MPAN and MPRN numbers on previous electricity bills hundreds of times, but may have never known what they meant. Understanding your energy meter numbers and why they are important is key when changing your gas and electricity supplier, and will make the switching process much easier.

Throughout this guide, we will talk you through everything you need to know about MPAN and MPRN, from what exactly they are to where you can find them on your electricity and gas bills. Here at Business Energy UK, we want you to be informed on every step of switching suppliers, including the role that MPAN and MPRN numbers play.

What is an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number)?

An MPAN, which stands for meter point administration number, is a one-of-a-kind reference number used to identify your electricity meter. It is otherwise known as an electricity supply number or 'S' number, and can be located on a previous bill and meter and should look like a 21-digit number starting with an 'S'.

Every electricity meter point administration number is specific to your building and is needed by energy suppliers to find your supply point. Because of this, it will stay the same regardless of whether you switch business energy suppliers or not.

Each of the digits on the MPAN means something different. The first two dictate your profile class or the type of customer you are. For example, whether you are using electricity domestically or non-domestically.

Most commercial clients fall under classes 05-08, which profiles them as maximum demand customers. Smaller businesses, however, may be grouped in a lower class, which means they do not need to be supplied with as much energy.

The following three numbers are known as the meter time switch code (MTC) and indicate whether you are using a single rate meter or a time-of-use one. After this comes the line loss factor (LLF), and is three numbers that show how much electricity is lost being supplied to your meter. Rural premises may find this number, and their bill, to be higher, as they are at a greater distance from distribution centres.

The next set of numbers are known as the distribution ID and the meter point ID and are used to identify the distribution company for your energy supply and your meter respectively. The final three digits are worked out from the previous two IDs as verification.

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What is an MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number)?

A meter point reference number (MPRN), otherwise known as an 'M' number or a gas supply number, is a unique reference number used to identify your gas meter. It is made up of between six to ten numbers and is specific to your business premises. Much like your MPAN, it will also not change if you switch energy suppliers due to this.

Understanding your meter point reference number is crucial to getting the best energy deal. If your gas supply number begins with either a 74 or 75, then there is a chance you are being charged expensive rates due to having gas supplied by an independent gas transporter. To avoid these extra expenses, compare gas suppliers with us today.

Where to find your MPAN and MPRN

It could not be easier to find your MPAN and MPRN. Your meter point administration number will be either at the bottom right or top left corner of your latest electricity bill and is in the format of digits broken up into several small boxes, featuring a capital 'S' at the beginning.

Your meter point reference number will be at the top or bottom of your dual-fuel or gas bill. You can also find our MPRN number on an actual meter; it will be on the box of the meter and is between six and ten digits long.

Why are electricity meter numbers important?

It is very important that you know your MPAN and MPRN as it is the fastest and easiest way for an energy supplier to identify your business building.

Your energy meter numbers are needed for a range of different things, most importantly switching energy suppliers. Your new supplier will need confirmation of both in order to verify your details and be sure that they are taking over the right electricity and gas supplies.

If you have recently moved, you may need to provide your new supplier with the electricity supply and gas supply numbers of both your current and old business buildings.

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If you are after cheaper energy bills, our team at Business Energy UK would love to help you compare gas and electricity prices and bills. No matter how big or small your business is, we can sort you out with the best deal.

Knowing your MPAN and MPRN makes the process of switching energy supplier that bit easier, and with our help, the move will be seamless. To find out more about how much money you could save on your business gas and electricity bills, get a quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a meter serial number the same as an MPAN or MPRN?

A meter serial number (MSN) is different from an MPAN or MPRN but is often mistaken for an energy meter number. Instead, it is a reference number for your meter, rather than the premises that the meter is located in.

Your meter serial number can be found above or below the barcode on your meter and is between nine and twelve digits long. An electricity smart meter will have its MSN on the front of the meter box, as will a gas smart meter.

Can I find my electricity supply number without a recent electricity bill?

Whilst the easiest way to find your MPAN and MPRN is with your last electricity bill, there are other ways to access them.

You should be able to get your MPAN by contacting your current electricity supplier and requesting the information. If you do not know who your local electricity supplier is, then get in touch with the Energy Networks Association who will be able to help you out and gain this information.

Your MPRN can be found by entering the postcode of your business premises into Find My Supplier. Alternatively, you can call the Meter Number Helpline and they will be able to inform you.

Why do I need to know my MPAN and MPRN?

Even though you will not need to use your MPAN number or MPRN number very often, they are still good to know for a number of reasons. Firstly, if moving business buildings, you will need them in order to continue the energy supply at your new premises and let your electricity supplier know that you have moved.

Secondly, if you want to switch suppliers, you will need to have your meter supply numbers on hand for your new supplier so that they can confirm they are supplying energy to the correct business and location.

Knowing your electricity and gas meter numbers can also be helpful in determining things like what your profile class is, whether you have a single rate or time-of-use meter, and what your meter point ID number is.

What factors impact line loss?

Line loss is what happens when electricity generated is wasted during transmission, and takes place whilst electricity is being supplied to your meter. How much energy is lost depends on a number of things, such as meter inaccuracy, electricity theft, and un-metered errors.

One of the most common reasons for energy loss is when a building is a long distance away from its local distribution company centre. This is because there is a higher chance of resistance in the wires that carry the electricity from one place to the other. Therefore, the further your building from the distribution centre, the more costly your energy bills.

This is where knowing your meter point administration number can come in handy, as it indicates line loss. The higher the number, the more likely it is that you are paying for lost electricity in your tariff. To find out more about how to find cheaper electricity bills and compare energy companies, get in touch with us.

What are MPAN and MPRN numbers?