What Are MPAN and MPRN Numbers?
If you've ever looked closely at your energy bill, you've probably spotted a long string of numbers you didn't recognise. These are your MPAN and MPRN, two unique codes that identify your electricity and gas supply.
Your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) identifies your electricity supply. It's sometimes called your electricity meter number, and it's usually a 21-digit number, though the 13-digit "core" section is the part you'll use most often.
Your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) does the same job for gas. It's your gas meter number, and it's much shorter, usually up to 10 digits with no letters.
| Feature | MPAN (Electricity) | MPRN (Gas) |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Meter Point Administration Number | Meter Point Reference Number |
| What it identifies | Your electricity supply | Your gas supply |
| Typical length | 21 digits (13-digit core) | Up to 10 digits |
| Format | Numbers only, shown on two lines | Numbers only, shown on one line |
| Where to find it | On your electricity bill, labelled 'MPAN' or 'Supply Number' | On your gas bill, labelled 'MPRN' |
| Also known as | Electricity meter number | Gas meter number |
How to Find Your MPAN Electricity Meter Number?
The easiest place to find your MPAN is on your electricity bill. Look for a box labelled "MPAN" or sometimes "Supply Number", usually near the top of the bill. It's often laid out across two rows, which can look confusing at first, but we'll explain that shortly.
No bill handy? You can also find your MPAN by:
- Asking your current electricity supplier directly
- Checking a previous statement or online account
- Using an online MPAN lookup tool with your postcode
How to Find Your MPRN Gas Meter Number?
Your MPRN is just as easy to track down. Check your gas bill, where it's usually labelled "MPRN" or "Meter Point Reference Number". It's a single row of digits, so there's no top and bottom line to worry about, unlike your MPAN.
If you can't find a bill, your gas supplier can give you this number over the phone once they've confirmed your identity, or you can look it up online using your postcode.
Lloyd Energy Expert Tip
At Lloyd Energy, we can often find your MPAN and MPRN using just your postcode and business name, making the switching process quick and hassle-free.
Why Do You Need These Numbers?
You might not think about your MPAN or MPRN from one year to the next, but they matter more than you'd expect. Here at Lloyd Energy, we ask for these numbers whenever we're helping a customer switch suppliers, set up a new business energy contract, or sort out a billing query.
Because every property has its own unique MPAN and MPRN, these numbers make sure the right supply gets matched to the right account. Without them, suppliers would have no reliable way to tell one meter from another, especially in blocks of flats or shared business units where several meters might sit close together.
You'll typically need your MPAN or MPRN when you're:
- Switching to a new energy supplier
- Setting up a new business energy contract
- Getting a quote or comparing prices
- Moving into a new business premises
- Querying a meter reading or a charge on your bill
What to Do If You've Lost Your Energy Bill
Lost your latest energy bill? Don't worry, this happens more often than you'd think, and there are still a few easy ways to find your MPAN or MPRN.
Here's what to try instead:
- Log into your online account with your current supplier
- Call your supplier and ask them to confirm the numbers
- Use a free MPAN or MPRN lookup tool online with your postcode
- Ask the previous occupant or your landlord if you've just moved in
Understanding the Top Line vs Bottom Line of Your MPAN
One thing that trips people up is that an MPAN is often printed across two lines.
The top line holds extra technical details about your supply, including:
- Profile Class - how your usage pattern is categorised
- Meter Timeswitch Code (MTC) - how your meter is timed and read
- Line Loss Factor (LLF) - accounts for energy lost during distribution
- Distributor ID - identifies your local electricity network operator
These help your supplier understand how your meter works and how you're charged.
The bottom line is the part that really matters day to day. This 13-digit "core" number is what suppliers use to identify your electricity meter number when you're switching suppliers or setting up a new contract. If you only note down one line, make sure it's this one.
Do You Need Your MPAN or MPRN to Switch Suppliers?
Yes, in most cases you will. When you switch suppliers, your new provider uses your MPAN and MPRN to identify exactly which meter belongs to you, so there's no mix-up with a neighbour's supply or a previous tenant's account.
The good news is that you don't always need to track these numbers down yourself. At Lloyd Energy, we can often find your MPAN and MPRN using just your postcode and business name, making the switching process quick and hassle-free.
If you're ready to switch, or just want help understanding your bill, get in touch with the team at Lloyd Energy and we'll take care of the details for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, your MPAN and MPRN are fixed to your property, so don’t change when you switch supplier. Neither can you take these numbers with you when you move home; instead, you’ll need to find out your new property’s MPAN and MPRN numbers using the techniques described above.
Yes, but you may need to contact your energy supplier to get this information. If you’ve just moved to a new home, speak to the property’s current energy supplier, its previous resident or your landlord. You can usually also find the MPAN number on your smart meter’s In-Home Display.
Yes, this is quite common. If your site has multiple meters or separate electricity grid connections, each one will have its own unique MPAN.
