What Are MPAN & MPRN Numbers?
Most UK businesses will need to provide their MPAN (for electricity) and MPRN (for gas) numbers when switching energy suppliers. These unique identifiers help suppliers set up your new contract quickly and correctly.
Our guide at a glance:
✔ Learn what MPAN and MPRN numbers are used for.
✔ Find out where to locate them on your energy bills.
✔ See why they’re essential for a smooth business energy switch.
What Is An MPAN?
A Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN), sometimes called an Electricity Supply Number, is a unique identifier for the electricity meter at your business premises.
Every business property in the UK with an electricity supply has its own MPAN.
Energy suppliers use this number to:
- Identify your supply point.
- Ensure your contract is set up correctly.
- Calculate the right rates for your electricity usage.
An MPAN is composed of 21 digits, which are typically displayed in a grid or box on your electricity bill.
What Is An MPRN?
A Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), also known as your Gas Supply Number, is the unique identifier for the gas meter at your business premises.
Your MPRN is made up of 6 to 10 digits and is used by energy suppliers to:
- Identify your gas supply point.
- Ensure your new contract is set up correctly.
- Confirm that billing matches your usage.
If your MPRN starts with 74 or 75, it usually means your gas is supplied by an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT). In many cases, this can result in higher rates for your business gas supply.
To make sure you’re not overpaying, it’s always worth comparing business gas prices with us. We’ll help you find the most competitive tariff for your needs.
Where Can I Find My Business MPAN & MPRN Numbers?
Finding your MPAN and MPRN numbers is straightforward once you know where to look:
MPAN (electricity meters):
- Usually shown on the top left or bottom right corner of your electricity bill.
- Displayed in a grid of seven small boxes.
- Always begins with a capital ‘S’, followed by your unique 21-digit supply number.
MPRN (gas meters):
- Normally located at the top or bottom of your gas bill.
- A simple 6 to 10-digit number, without letters or boxes.
If you can’t find your MPAN or MPRN on your bills, your current supplier will be able to provide it over the phone.
How Do I Find My Business MPAN & MPRN Numbers Without a Recent Bill?
If you don’t have a recent energy bill to hand, you can still track down your MPAN and MPRN numbers using the following methods:
MPAN (electricity):
Call your current electricity supplier and ask for your MPAN.
If you’re unsure who your supplier is, use the Energy Networks Association postcode search tool to find your local network operator. They can tell you who supplies your electricity and provide your MPAN.
MPRN (gas):
Visit the Find My Supplier website and enter your business postcode.
Alternatively, call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524 to confirm your MPRN.
Why Does My Business Need Energy Meter Numbers?
Your MPAN and MPRN are unique identifiers that link directly to your business premises. Suppliers use them to:
- Accurately match your property with the correct supply.
- Set up your new energy contract without errors.
- Ensure smooth switching when moving to a new supplier.
If you decide to switch business energy, you’ll need to provide both numbers so your new supplier can take over the correct supply.
If your business is moving to new premises, you may need to provide both your old and new MPAN/MPRN numbers during the transfer process. This helps prevent billing mistakes and ensures your energy supply continues seamlessly.
Understanding Your Energy Meter Numbers
Energy meters for commercial properties differ from domestic meters, and your meter type will depend on your business’s energy consumption and usage patterns.
Common energy meter profile classes:
| 00 |
High-usage businesses, measuring energy every 30 minutes (100 kW+ per half hour) |
|
| 01 |
Domestic Unrestricted |
Residential meters |
| 02 |
Domestic Economy 7 |
Residential night-time tariffs |
| 03 |
Non-Domestic Unrestricted |
Standard business electricity supply |
| 04 |
Non-Domestic Economy 7 |
Businesses using off-peak night-time energy |
| 05-08 |
Non-Domestic Maximum Demand (MD) |
High-demand commercial operations requiring maximum energy capacity over set periods |
Key points for businesses:
- Half-Hourly meters (00): Suitable for high-usage businesses that need accurate, frequent readings.
- Economy 7 meters (04): Best for businesses that use energy primarily during off-peak hours, such as overnight operations.
- Maximum Demand (MD) meters (05–08): For businesses with very high energy requirements, these meters track energy usage and allow suppliers to deliver the necessary maximum demand.
Understanding Peak Load Factor (LF):
The Peak Load Factor shows how much energy your business could have used at maximum capacity during a specific period. It is calculated as the ratio of actual consumption (kWh) versus the potential maximum if the meter’s highest demand had been maintained continuously.
This information helps commercial clients optimise energy usage, plan capacity, and potentially reduce costs by aligning consumption with off-peak periods.
Meter Timeswitch Codes
A Meter Timeswitch Code shows the number of reads and dials on your electricity meter and indicates the times of day your meter records usage.
For multi-rate or Economy 7 meters, the code will also display whether your meter has two registers:
- Daytime register - records electricity used during peak hours
- Night-time register - records off-peak consumption
Understanding your timeswitch code helps you track energy use accurately and ensures your tariffs reflect your actual consumption patterns.
What Causes Line Loss?
Line loss is the electricity lost during transmission from the generator to your business premises. On average, about 7% of generated electricity is lost along the way.
Common causes include:
- Meter inaccuracies or unmetered usage (e.g., street lights)
- Energy theft
- Resistance in electricity cables
The further your premises are from a distribution centre, the more electricity is lost due to longer cable distances and higher resistance.
The Line Loss Factor (LLF) is used by distribution companies to calculate expected costs for supplying your area, including charges for electricity lost during transmission. Understanding LLF can help businesses better anticipate energy costs and compare suppliers effectively.
What Is A Distributor Identifier Code?
A Distributor Identifier Code (Distributor ID) is a unique number assigned to your local electricity distribution company.
Distribution companies manage the network that delivers electricity to your business meter, including the wiring, substations, and other infrastructure.
Knowing your Distributor ID can help you understand which company is responsible for your electricity supply and is useful when comparing tariffs or switching suppliers.
Below, we provide a table of Distributor IDs and the companies they represent.
| 10 |
Eastern England |
UK Power Networks |
| 11 |
East Midlands |
Western Power Distribution |
| 12 |
London |
UK Power Networks |
| 13 |
Merseyside & Northern Wales |
ScottishPower |
| 14 |
West Midlands |
Western Power Distribution |
| 15 |
North Eastern England |
Northern Power Grid |
| 16 |
North Western England |
Electricity North West |
| 17 |
Northern Scotland |
SSE Power Distribution |
| 18 |
Southern Scotland |
ScottishPower |
| 19 |
South Eastern England |
UK Power Networks |
| 20 |
Southern England |
SSE Power Distribution |
| 21 |
Southern Wales |
Western Power Distribution |
| 22 |
South Western England |
Western Power Distribution |
| 23 |
Yorkshire |
Northern Power Grid |
| 27 |
Unmetered Supply |
Unmetered Supply |
MPAN Core (Meter Point ID Number)
Every business electricity meter has a core MPAN number, also called the Meter Point ID. These are the final 13 digits of your full MPAN and uniquely identify your meter’s exit point.
The MPAN core is made up of:
- 2-digit Distributor ID
- 8-digit unique identifier
- 2 further digits
- 1 check digit
This structured number ensures your electricity supply is correctly identified and managed by suppliers.
What Is a Check Digit?
The check digit is the final number in your MPAN. It is used to validate your MPAN across supplier and distribution systems, helping prevent errors when setting up contracts or switching suppliers.
Switch Business Energy Suppliers and Reduce Your Bills With BusinessEnergy.com
Looking to cut your business energy costs? BusinessEnergy.com can help you compare the best electricity and gas tariffs on the market and find a cheaper option for your company.
Once you’ve chosen your tariff, we guide you through the entire switching process. Having your MPAN and MPRN numbers ready ensures the transition is smooth, accurate, and hassle-free.