What are MPAN and MPRN Numbers?

What is an MPAN number?

An MPAN is a 13-digit number which identifies an electricity meter. Your electricity bills will include an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) number, which may also be called the supply number.

Where to find an MPAN number?

Most energy bills show this number at the bottom of the page, but this is only the case for some suppliers. If you switch suppliers, your MPAN will remain the same. For more help understanding your energy bill, click here to access our guide.

How do I find my MPAN without a bill?

You can contact your local distribution network operator (DNO) if you cannot access your previous energy bill. If you’re unsure who the DNO is in your area, click here. Alternatively, you can contact Citizens Advice to access this information. All you need is your postcode.

What does an MPAN look like?

S03 123 456
12 3456 7890 987

- Profile Class (S03 in the above example)

Your profile class can be anything from 00 – 08. A profile class splits consumers into different categories based on their energy consumption.


00 - Half-hourly meters. Peak load usage is over 100 KW

01 - Domestic supply. Most households have a 01 profile class.

02 - Households with a multi-rate (economy 7) meter will have this profile class. This means they have access to cheaper electricity during the night.

03 - Businesses that consume a smaller amount of energy. Most small businesses fall into this profile class.

04 - Businesses with a multi-rate meter. This means they have access to cheaper electricity during the night.

05 - Business maximum demand with a peak load factor of less than 20%

06 - Business maximum demand with a peak load factor between 20% and 30%

07 - Business maximum demand with a peak load factor between 30% and 40%

08 - Business maximum demand with a peak load factor over 40%


Due to the P272 legislation, businesses with a meter profile class of 05, 06, 07, or 08 are legally required to switch to a half-hourly meter (00).

- Meter Time Switch Code (123 in the above example) 

The next three digits refer to the number of registers your electricity meter has. These could be either dials or sets of meter numbers and the times they operate. This information is for your supplier and the networks, so you don’t have to pay attention to it.

- Line Loss Factor (456 in the above example)

The remaining three digits on the top line of your MPAN display the expected costs that the distribution company will charge your energy supplier to use the cables and networks in your area. It additionally indicates to your energy supplier the potential charges incurred due to the loss of electricity while getting to your property or business. This is mainly for your energy supplier, so you don’t have to pay attention.

- Distributor ID (12 in the above example)

These are the first two digits in the bottom line of the MPAN (12 in the above example). It refers to the region in which your property or business is located. The areas and their corresponding codes are as follows.


10 – Eastern England

11 – East Midlands

12 – London

13 – Merseyside and North Wales

14 – West Midlands

15 – North Eastern England

16 – North Western England

17 – Northern Scotland

18 – Southern Scotland

19 – South Eastern England

20 – Southern England

21 – Southern Wales

22 – South Western England

23 – Yorkshire

23 - 35 Are what we call IDNO's. These are private network operators


- Meter Point ID (3456 7890 in the above example)

These are the following eight numbers. Each is a unique number within your distribution area and is used to identify the metering point.

- Check Digit (987 in the above example) 

The final three numbers are based on the meter point ID and distributor ID. Check digit verifies both of these numbers.

What is an MPRN?

An MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is a unique identifying number for your gas supply. This is the equivalent of an MPAN number for domestic and commercial gas consumers. Like an MPAN number, this does not change if you switch suppliers. MPRNs are shorter than MPANs, containing six to ten numbers and no letters. Getting your account number and MPRN mixed up is easy, but these are entirely different.

Where to find my MPRN?

Unlike MPANs, MPRNs are sometimes stamped onto the meter itself, so if this is the case for you, you can find your MPRN on your gas meter. If your MPRN is not stamped onto your gas meter, it can be found on your most recent gas bill. If you still can’t find your MPRN number, visit this website and enter your postcode and address.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Is a gas meter serial number the same as an MPRN?

    Your Meter Serial Number (MSN) is a mix of numbers and letters that identifies the meter. It is typically near the barcode and is 9 to 12 digits long on standard meters. For gas meters, your MSN will usually start with an L. Electricity meters typically begin with an F. If you have a smart meter, it will end with an M.

  • Will my MPAN or MPRN change when I switch energy suppliers?

    No, as long as you aren’t relocating, your MPAN / MPRN will remain the same. However, the MPAN / MPRN is fixed to the address, so if you move premises, your MPRN and MPAN will change.

  • Will my MPAN change if I get a smart meter?

    Your MPAN will remain the same if you get a smart meter. However, your MSN will change.

  • My MPAN / MPRN looks incorrect. What do I do?

    Firstly, you should double check the MPAN or MPRN number you have been provided against the MPAN or MPRN on your energy bill to make sure it matches. If there is still an issue you should contact your energy supplier, they should be able to correct this for you.


If you need help understanding your MPAN or MPRN, please call us on 0161 521 3005. We would be more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have.


Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk for any queries, and we will advise you on your next steps to ensure you can attain the lowest energy bills possible. Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.


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