Energy Meter Numbers Explained

Each energy meter has its own unique reference number—the MPAN for electricity meters and MPRN for gas meters—which is used to identify supply points. You’ll be asked for these numbers by your energy supplier when you switch supplier or move house. You’ll also need the gas meter number to identify a property’s gas supplier.

All electricity supply points are identified with an MPAN number, a unique 21-digit code, which may be printed in two rows. It typically begins with an S and is sometimes referred to as an S number or Supply number. The bottom row of the MPAN, containing 13 digits, is known as the core MPAN number and is all you need for most purposes.

The electricity meter number, or MPAN number, of your property will be printed on your electricity or dual fuel bill, sometimes identified as a Supply number. It typically appears at the bottom of the first page of your bill or on the reverse of that page. It may be printed in two lines.

 

It’s important not to confuse your MPAN or Supply number with your account number or consumer reference number, which are also printed on your bill and which you’ll need when communicating with your supplier.

 

Unlike with gas meter numbers, the MPAN will not appear on the actual electricity meter on your property.

 

If you don’t have access to a previous electricity bill, perhaps because you’ve just moved into the property, you can obtain your MPAN by contacting the regional Distribution Network Operator (DNO) in your area. The DNO is the company responsible for the transmission of electricity from the national transmission grid to your home or business. There are 14 different DNO regions, managed by six operators. 

 

You’ll need to identify your region and its DNO and then phone their Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS). If you give them your postcode and address they’ll be able to give you your 13-digit core MPAN number over the phone, which should be enough for most purposes. But you can also request the DNO sends you the full 21-digit MPAN in writing.

 

Some DNOs also operate an online service which can tell you your property’s MPAN.

The gas meter number is the MPRN, a six to 10 digit number. It’s sometimes referred to as an M number.

 

Your MPRN number can give you some vital information about your gas supply. For instance, if it begins with a 74 or 75, then your home isn’t connected to the gas pipes of the National Grid but is rather supplied by an Independent Gas Transporter and you may face higher prices for gas.

The MPRN for your property will be printed on your gas or dual fuel bill, often listed as an M number. It will also appear on the actual gas meter. But make sure you don’t confuse it with the meter serial number. The MPRN should be six to 10 digits.

 

If you’re struggling to locate the MPRN on your gas meter, phone the National Grid’s Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524. Staff on the helpline should be able to guide you to the number.

You’ll need your energy meter numbers when switch to a new energy deal or you move house.

 

When you move to a new electricity and/or gas supplier, they’ll ask you for the relevant meter numbers for your supply. Because MPANs and MPRNs are associated with an energy supply point, they themselves don’t change when you move to a new supplier.

 

If you’re moving your energy contract to a new home, you’ll need to tell your supplier the MPAN of both your former and new properties. You likely won’t have access to the energy bills for the new property (unless the previous owner or tenant has left some behind), so you’ll need to contact your regional DNO for your MPAN and look on your gas meter for the MPRN.

 

If you’ve just moved into a property and are trying to identify its gas supplier, you’ll need to find the MPRN on your gas meter and phone the National Grid’s Meter Number. With the number, they’ll be able to tell you the current gas supplier.

 

To determine the electricity supplier of a property, you’ll need to give your postcode and address to your regional DNO’s Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS). They’ll be able to tell you who’s currently powering the property and give you its core MPAN.