What Is an MPAN and Where Can You Find It?
A straightforward guide to the Meter Point Administration Number used to identify a UK electricity supply point.
What Is an MPAN?
MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number. It is a unique 21-digit reference number that identifies a specific electricity supply point in Great Britain. Every electricity supply point — whether at a home, office, factory or any other premises — has its own MPAN.
An MPAN identifies the supply point itself, not the physical electricity meter installed at that point. This is an important distinction: if a meter is replaced, the MPAN for that supply point remains the same. Conversely, a single premises may have more than one supply point, each with its own MPAN.
MPANs are administered by the relevant Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for each region of Great Britain. They are used throughout the electricity industry — by suppliers, network operators and metering agents — to ensure that consumption data, billing and switching processes are associated with the correct supply point.
MPAN vs Meter Serial Number
An MPAN identifies the supply point — the connection to the electricity network. It is not the same as the meter serial number, which identifies the physical meter installed at that point. If your meter is replaced, the MPAN remains the same.
Where Can You Find Your MPAN?
Your MPAN is shown on your electricity bill. It is sometimes labelled as the Supply Number, Electricity Supply Number or S-Number. Look for a 21-digit number, often displayed in a distinctive grid or box format.
Electricity Bill
The most reliable place to find your MPAN is on a recent electricity bill from your current supplier. It is typically shown on the first or second page, often near your account details or meter information.
Welcome Letter from Supplier
When you take on a new electricity supply, your supplier will usually confirm your MPAN in their welcome letter or initial correspondence.
Meter Documentation
Some meter installation or commissioning documents include the MPAN for the supply point. However, the bill remains the most straightforward source.
Your Energy Broker or Consultant
If you work with an energy broker or consultant, they may be able to retrieve your MPAN from industry databases on your behalf, subject to appropriate authorisation.
Account Details
Supply Point Details
The supply number (MPAN) is shown here for illustration only. The X characters represent digits — no real customer data is displayed.
If you cannot locate your MPAN on your bill, contact your current electricity supplier directly. They are required to provide it to you.
Understanding the MPAN Structure
A full MPAN consists of 21 digits arranged in a specific format. It is sometimes referred to as the core (the bottom line of 13 digits) and the top line (the first 8 digits). Here is what each part represents:
FULL MPAN — 21 DIGITS (ILLUSTRATIVE)
All digits shown as X — illustrative only. No real supply number is displayed.
Profile Class (2 digits)
The first two digits indicate the profile class, which describes the pattern of electricity consumption at the supply point. Profile class 00 indicates a half-hourly metered supply. Classes 01 to 08 are used for non-half-hourly supplies, with different classes reflecting different consumption patterns such as domestic, small business or larger commercial use.
Meter Time Switch Code (3 digits)
These three digits describe the meter time switch configuration — for example, whether the meter records consumption at different rates at different times of day (such as Economy 7 or day/night tariffs).
Line Loss Factor Class (3 digits)
These three digits represent the Line Loss Factor Class, which is used to calculate the energy lost in distributing electricity from the national grid to the supply point. This affects the total amount of electricity billed.
Distribution Network Operator ID (2 digits)
These two digits identify the Distribution Network Operator responsible for the electricity network in the area where the supply point is located. Great Britain is divided into a number of DNO regions, each with its own identifier.
Unique Identifier (10 digits)
The final ten digits form the unique identifier for the supply point within the DNO's area. Together with the DNO ID, this makes the supply point uniquely identifiable across Great Britain.
Check Digit (1 digit)
The final single digit is a check digit, calculated from the preceding digits. It is used to validate that the MPAN has been entered or transmitted correctly.
The 13-digit core (DNO ID + unique identifier + check digit) is the most commonly referenced part of the MPAN in day-to-day energy procurement. When suppliers or brokers ask for your supply number, they typically mean this 13-digit core, though providing the full 21-digit MPAN is always preferable.
MPAN vs Meter Serial Number
These two reference numbers are often confused. The table below explains the key differences.
Why Free Energy Help May Request Your MPAN
When you ask us to compare or manage your business electricity, we may ask for your MPAN. Here is why each use case requires it:
Supplier Quotation
Electricity suppliers use the MPAN to retrieve your consumption history and supply point data from industry systems. This allows them to provide an accurate quotation based on your actual usage profile rather than an estimate.
Switching Supplier
The MPAN is required to initiate a switch between electricity suppliers. It ensures that the new supply contract is registered against the correct supply point and that the switch is processed accurately by the industry.
Contract Renewal
When renewing your electricity contract with your existing supplier, the MPAN confirms which supply point the renewal relates to. This is particularly important for businesses with multiple supply points or sites.
Meter Identification
If there are queries about your meter type, meter reads or metering configuration, the MPAN allows the relevant parties to identify the correct supply point and associated metering equipment.
Multi-Site Portfolio Management
Businesses with multiple premises each have a separate MPAN for each electricity supply point. Having a complete and accurate list of MPANs is essential for managing a portfolio of sites efficiently and ensuring that contracts, renewals and consumption data are tracked correctly.
Can a Premises Have More Than One MPAN?
Yes. Some commercial premises have more than one electricity supply point, each with its own MPAN. This is common in larger buildings, industrial sites, shopping centres, business parks and multi-tenanted properties.
For example, a large manufacturing facility might have separate supply points for different parts of the site — such as the production area, offices and external lighting — each metered and billed independently. A multi-tenanted office building might have individual supply points for each tenant as well as a separate supply for common areas.
If you are responsible for energy procurement across a site with multiple supply points, it is important to identify all relevant MPANs to ensure that every supply is included in your comparison and contract management process. Your electricity bills or your current supplier can confirm how many supply points are registered at your premises.
Moving Premises and Change of Tenancy
When a business moves into new premises, the MPAN for the electricity supply point at those premises already exists and remains unchanged. The new occupier will typically be placed on a deemed or out-of-contract rate by the existing supplier until a new contract is arranged.
It is advisable to identify the MPAN for your new premises as early as possible — ideally before you move in. This allows you to approach the market for quotations and arrange a contract before the deemed rate applies. Your landlord, the outgoing tenant or the existing supplier should be able to confirm the MPAN.
If you are vacating premises, you should notify your electricity supplier of the change of tenancy and provide a final meter reading. The MPAN will remain associated with the supply point and will be taken on by the incoming occupier or landlord.
For specific guidance on change of tenancy procedures, we recommend contacting the relevant electricity supplier or Distribution Network Operator directly, as processes can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions About MPANs
Related Guides and Resources
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