What are meter supply numbers?
Struggling to make sense of the meter numbers on your energy bill? Don’t panic.
An MPAN number is your Meter Point Administration Number, and your MPRN number is your Meter Point Reference Number, but we’ll go over everything in more detail below.
What is an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number)?
This is the number that’s dedicated to you and your electricity meter on your property, which might also be called an Electricity Supply Number.
You can find your unique 21-digit MPAN number on your utility bill, and will be the number that often begins with an ‘S’ for ‘supply number’. The process is the same for business electricity customers.
Then chances of you needing to know what all the numbers stand for are slim, but If you want to know, read below:
- The first two numbers refer to your home’s profile class and give the supplier an indication of your typical electricity use. These numbers can range from 00 to 08.
- The next three numbers are your Meter Time Switch Code (MTC), which indicates the number of registers your electricity meter has and what times they’ll operate throughout the day.
- The third set of numbers is known as the Line Loss Factor (LFF) and indicates the distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges that the distribution network will charge your supplier for using the cables in your area.
- The next two numbers are the Distribution ID which is used to identify the regional distribution company for your electricity supply.
- The long, eight-digit number is the Meter Point ID, which is unique within your distribution area and is used to identify the metering point.
- Finally, the three-digit sum at the end is the Check Digit, which is calculated from the Distribution ID and Meter Point ID numbers.
Where can I find my MPAN number?
You will only find your MPAN number on your bill, not on your meter, where you’ll find your MPRN number.
The MPAN number will be somewhere at the bottom of the first page, or on the bottom of the reverse side. There are various other numbers printed on your bill, such as your account number or customer reference number, so don’t get either of these mixed up with one another when trying to find your Meter Supply Administration Number.
Alternatively, you can get your MPAN number from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) by calling the Meter Administration Service. Simply state your postcode and address and they’ll be able to tell you your Meter Point Administration Number.
What will I need my MPAN number for?
The only times you’ll need your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is when you want to switch your energy supplier to save money annually on your energy bills, and when you move house.
If you switch energy your MPAN will remain the same, whereas when you move it will because MPANs are associated with the property and not the supplier.
What is an MPRN number?
Your MPRN is the Meter Point Reference Number of your property and is associated with your gas supply. It is also referred to as your ‘M number’ and is usually six to 10 numbers long.
Like your MPAN number, you can find your MPRN on your utility bill, but you can also find it on your gas meter, too. The process is the same for business gas customers.