What Is an MPRN and Where Can You Find It?

MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number. It is a unique number — typically between 6 and 10 digits — that identifies a specific gas supply point in Great Britain. Every gas supply point connected to the national gas network has its own MPRN, whether at a domestic property, a small business or a large commercial or industrial site.

An MPRN identifies the supply point itself — the connection to the gas network — rather than the physical gas meter installed at that point. This distinction matters: if a meter is replaced or upgraded, the MPRN for that supply point remains the same. The MPRN is sometimes referred to as a gas supply number or a meter point number.

MPRNs are maintained by Xoserve, the central data service provider for the UK gas industry, and are used by gas suppliers, shippers and network operators to ensure that consumption data, billing and contract processes are correctly associated with the right supply point.

Some commercial premises have more than one gas supply point, each with its own MPRN. This is common in larger buildings, industrial sites, manufacturing facilities, hotels, care homes and multi-tenanted properties where different areas of the site are metered and billed separately.

For example, a large hotel might have separate gas supply points for the kitchen, the heating system and the laundry — each with its own MPRN and potentially its own contract. A business park might have individual supply points for each unit as well as a separate supply for shared facilities.

If you are responsible for energy procurement across a site with multiple gas supply points, it is important to identify all relevant MPRNs to ensure that every supply is included in your comparison and contract management process. Your gas bills or your current supplier can confirm how many supply points are registered at your premises.

When a business moves into new premises, the MPRN for the gas 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 MPRN 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 MPRN.

Deemed rates are typically significantly higher than contracted rates, so arranging a new contract promptly can result in meaningful cost savings. Our team can help you identify your MPRN and obtain quotations from a broad panel of commercial gas suppliers.

If you are vacating commercial premises, you should notify your gas supplier of the change of tenancy and provide a final meter reading. The MPRN will remain associated with the supply point and will be taken on by the incoming occupier or landlord.

Failure to notify your supplier of a change of tenancy can result in ongoing billing for a supply you are no longer using. It is important to confirm the effective date of the change and to obtain written confirmation from your supplier that your account has been closed.

For specific guidance on change-of-tenancy procedures, we recommend contacting the relevant gas supplier or your network operator directly, as processes can vary. Our team can provide general guidance on the steps involved.