What Are MPAN and MPRN Numbers?

A Complete UK Business Guide to Energy Meter Numbers

Understanding your business energy bill can feel like navigating a maze. Among the terms you’ll encounter are MPAN and MPRN numbers. These might look like just a string of digits, but they play a crucial role in ensuring your business gets the right gas and electricity supply.

In this guide, we’ll break down what MPAN and MPRN numbers are, why they matter, how to find them, and what to do if something looks off. Whether you're switching suppliers or just auditing your bill, knowing these numbers can save you time, money, and hassle.

What Is an MPAN Number? 

MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number. It refers to the unique identifying number assigned to your electricity supply point by the local distribution network. Think of it as your business property's personal reference for receiving electricity. Without it, suppliers wouldn’t know where to send your power or your bills.

Why Is It Important? 

MPAN numbers:

• Ensure accurate electricity billing
• Help suppliers identify your specific supply point
• Are required during a supplier switch

Your MPAN number is typically 21 digits long and can be found on your electricity bill. It’s often split into two parts: a top-line 'core' and a bottom-line supplementary data.

Example MPAN Format:

S 03 801 234 5678 234 6

The 'S' stands for supply number, followed by a two-digit profile class, meter time switch code, line loss factor, distributor ID, meter point ID, and check digit.

What Is an MPRN Number? 

MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number. It is the unique identifier for your business's gas supply point, much like the MPAN does for electricity. Assigned by the gas transporter, this number ensures your property receives gas service accurately and is billed correctly by your supplier.

Key Features of MPRN 

• It is typically 6 to 10 digits long
• Located on your gas bill (not the meter)
• Used by suppliers and network operators to identify your gas supply point

Example MPRN:

1234567890

It doesn’t include letters, and it's completely different from the serial number on your gas meter.

Where to Find MPAN and MPRN Numbers 

If you’re unsure where to look, don’t worry, you’re not alone. These numbers can be easy to miss if you’re unfamiliar with energy bills. Here are the most common and reliable places to locate them:

On Your Energy Bill 

Both numbers will usually appear on your utility bill, often in a section labelled "Your Supply Details."

• MPAN appears under your electricity supply information
• MPRN is listed under your gas supply details

By Contacting Your Supplier 

If you can’t find your bill:

• Contact your electricity supplier for your MPAN
• Contact your gas supplier for your MPRN

Alternatively, if your business recently moved into a property, these numbers may also be available through:

• The Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) for electricity
• The Gas Transporter, or National Grid for gas

Why These Numbers Matter for UK Businesses 

Whether you're switching to a new energy supplier or arranging for updated metering equipment, these numbers are essential. They serve as the foundation for identifying the correct energy supply point, which ensures that your business receives accurate service and billing without unnecessary delays.

For Switching Suppliers 

Energy companies use MPAN and MPRN to:

• Ensure your switch goes smoothly
• Avoid billing errors
• Prevent disruptions in supply

For Energy Audits 

These numbers help ensure the energy usage being reported is coming from the correct meter points.

For New Connections 

If you're opening a new business site or expanding, these identifiers are used to:

• Register new supply points
• Set up metering equipment

MPAN and MPRN vs Meter Serial Numbers 

Don’t confuse your MPAN or MPRN with your meter serial number. Although all three relate to your energy setup, they serve completely different functions. MPAN and MPRN numbers identify the supply point, while the meter serial number refers to the actual physical device recording your energy usage.

Here’s how they differ: 

Common Problems Involving MPAN and MPRN 

Issues with MPAN or MPRN numbers can lead to frustrating complications. Watch out for these common scenarios:

• Incorrect number on file, leading to bills for someone else’s supply
• Duplicate records when properties change hands
• Delays during a supplier switch because of mismatched supply point info
• Confusing meter serial numbers with MPAN/MPRN, causing reporting errors

Resolving these usually requires contacting your supplier or the relevant network operator.

How to Check if an MPAN or MPRN Is Active 

If you're unsure whether your MPAN or MPRN is still in use:

• Use the MPAS Lookup Service or contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
• Visit FindMySupplier.co.uk for current MPRN details
• Ask your landlord or letting agent if you're renting a business premises
• Check with your supplier for status updates on the connection

This is especially useful if you've taken over a new site or have been left without full documentation.

When You Need Your MPAN and MPRN 

Make sure you have your MPAN and MPRN handy in situations like:

• Moving to a new commercial property
• Switching electricity or gas supplier
• Resolving billing issues or discrepancies
• Applying for energy grants or audits
• Upgrading to smart or half-hourly meters

Keeping them easily accessible avoids unnecessary back-and-forth with your supplier.

How to Safely Share Your MPAN and MPRN 

MPAN and MPRN numbers are generally safe to share, but it's still important to handle them responsibly to avoid confusion or misuse. Here's how to share them securely:

• Only provide them to licensed energy suppliers, comparison services, or professional energy brokers
• Avoid giving them to cold-callers, unsolicited emails, or unverified third parties
• Never post them publicly, such as on social media or community forums
• If in doubt, verify the identity of anyone requesting the information by checking their company credentials or asking for a callback

Taking these steps ensures your supply data remains protected and used only for legitimate purposes.

MPAN and MPRN in Half-Hourly and Smart Metering 

For medium and large UK businesses, MPAN and MPRN numbers become even more critical with advanced metering technology and data-driven energy management.

Here’s why:

• Half-hourly electricity meters require a valid MPAN to provide accurate, real-time energy usage data directly to your supplier
• Smart meters rely on MPAN and MPRN identifiers to correctly match meter readings with your property and billing account
• Accurate MPAN and MPRN numbers allow for automated tracking of usage, demand forecasting, and tailored energy efficiency strategies

Without the correct identifiers, your business could face data mismatches, delayed installations, or incorrect billing. These numbers ensure your energy data is properly aligned with your site’s actual usage and supports smoother digital energy reporting systems.

What If You Can’t Find Your MPAN or MPRN? 

It’s not uncommon for businesses to misplace old utility bills, especially when moving premises or changing staff. If you can't locate these numbers, don’t panic; there are simple ways to retrieve them:

• Call your current supplier and ask them to provide your MPAN or MPRN directly
• For electricity (MPAN), contact the Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) through your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
• For gas (MPRN): use the Find My Supplier website or reach out to your gas transporter

Having this information ready will help avoid delays in resolving issues or setting up new services.

Tips for Managing Energy Account Details 

To avoid confusion in the future:

• Keep a digital and printed copy of your energy bills
• Create a spreadsheet or document with your:
• MPAN and MPRN
• Meter serial numbers
• Supplier contact details
• Always double-check meter numbers before switching suppliers

Conclusion 

MPAN and MPRN numbers may appear technical at first glance, but getting to grips with them is key to taking control of your business energy. From ensuring accurate billing to avoiding supply disruptions and streamlining supplier switches, these unique identifiers play a vital role in your overall energy management strategy.

By taking just a few minutes to locate and record your MPAN and MPRN today, you set your business up for smoother operations, quicker support resolution, and greater billing accuracy, which can directly impact what the average business spends on business energy It's a simple step that can prevent costly mistakes down the line.

Summary Points 

• MPAN is a 21-digit electricity supply number; MPRN is for gas
• Both are found on your business energy bill
• They are vital when switching suppliers or troubleshooting billing
• MPAN and MPRN are not the same as meter serial numbers
• Accurate details ensure seamless, smart and half-hourly meter setups

FAQs 

Q1: Are MPAN and MPRN the same as account numbers?
A1: No, MPAN and MPRN identify your supply point, while account numbers relate to your billing account.

Q2: Can I find MPAN and MPRN on my energy meter?
A2: No, they're found on your bill, not on the meter itself. Your meter will have a separate serial number.

Q3: Do MPAN and MPRN change if I switch suppliers?
A3: No, they remain the same unless the supply point itself changes.

Q4: Can I switch suppliers without knowing my MPAN or MPRN?
A4: Technically, yes, but it helps the process go faster and avoids mistakes.

Q5: Is it safe to share my MPAN or MPRN?
A5: Yes, but only with trusted parties like your supplier or energy consultant.