How to find your MPAN/MPRN energy meter numbers
Energy meter numbers (MPAN/MPRN) are unique numbers that identify your property’s very own electricity and gas supplies.
If you’re not sure what your MPAN or MPRN numbers are, why you need them, or even where you can find them, our guide will tell you what you need to know.
Energy meter numbers (MPAN/MPRN) are unique numbers that identify your property’s very own electricity and gas supplies.
If you’re not sure what your MPAN or MPRN numbers are, why you need them, or even where you can find them, our guide will tell you what you need to know.
What is an energy meter number?
Energy meter numbers are reference numbers that identify your home energy supply.
If you have an electricity and gas supply, you’ll have two unique energy meter numbers:
- MPAN – stands for Meter Point Administration Number and refers to your electricity. It’s also sometimes known as a ‘supply number’ or ‘S number’.
- MPRN – stands for Meter Point Reference Number and refers to your gas. It’s also sometimes known as an ‘M number’.
Why do I need an energy meter number?
If you’re moving into a new home or switching energy suppliers, you’ll need your MPAN/MPRN so your new supplier knows that they’re taking over your energy supply, and not someone else’s.
Because the numbers are unique to your property, it’s an accurate way of identifying your energy supply.
If you move house, you may need to give your supplier the MPAN and MPRN of your old property as well.
Where can I find my electricity MPAN?
Your MPAN is on your electricity or dual fuel bill, usually in a box marked ‘Supply Number’. It’s 21 digits long and begins with ‘S’. You’ll only need the last 12 or 13 digits. You won’t find your property’s MPAN on your meter box.
An example of an MPAN is: S 01 801 101 22 6130 5588 165. This will often be printed in two rows, with the bottom row being the main number you’ll need.
Don’t confuse it with your customer reference number, which can also be found on the bill.
How do I find my MPAN without an electricity bill?
If you’ve just moved house and don’t have a bill, contact the supplier directly to find out what your MPAN is.
If you don’t know who supplies the energy to your new home, you’ll need to call the Local Distribution Centre (LDC) for your region. Check out our guide to who supplies your energy to find the number of the LDC for your area.
Where can I find my gas MPRN?
You can find your property’s MPRN on your gas or dual fuel bill. It’s usually marked ‘Meter Point Reference Number’ and is between six and 10 digits long. You won’t find the MPRN on the actual gas meter box.
An example of an MPRN is: 1875258102.
How do I find my MPRN without a gas bill?
You can find out who supplies your gas, and the MPRN, by using the Meter Point Administration Service’s online tool Find My Supplier, or by calling 0870 608 1524 (calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge).
In most instances, Comparethemarket will also be able to find the MPAN/MPRN automatically for you during the energy quote journey.
Switching energy suppliers
If you decide to switch suppliers, the process is simple. Thanks to the Energy Switch Guarantee, it shouldn’t take more than 21 days, and your energy supply should be uninterrupted during the switchover. Having your MPAN and MPRN will make sure the process runs even more smoothly.
Due to unprecedented market conditions, we’re unable to compare energy deals for you right now. But once the crisis passes and deals become available again, we’ll be right here to help you compare energy suppliers.
Frequently asked questions
Is an MPAN or MPRN the same as a meter serial number?
No. The meter serial number (MSN) is a combination of letters and numbers that identify the actual meter. They’ll be on your meter box:
- On standard meters the MSN is usually printed above or below the barcode and is between nine and 12 digits long. On electricity meters it tends to begin with the letter ‘F’. On gas meters it usually starts with ‘L’ and ends with ‘M’.
- On smart meters the MSN can be found on the front of the meter box, next to the barcode. On an electricity smart meter, the MSN will start with either 14P or 15P. On a gas smart meter, it starts with G4P.
Will my MPAN and MPRN change if I switch supplier?
If you switch to a new energy supplier but don’t move house, your numbers won’t change. You might need to let your new supplier know your MPAN and MPRN as part of the switching process though.
Will my MPAN and MPRN change if I move home?
Yes, you’ll have different numbers if you move home. You might need to give the energy supplier at your new home the MPAN and MPRN for your old address as part of the moving process. Your supplier will let you know your new numbers when you move into your new home.
If you’re moving home and switching your supplier at the same time, your numbers will also change.
Will my MPAN change if I get a smart meter?
No, your MPAN will remain the same if you switch from regular meter to a smart meter. The MSN serial number will be different, though, as this applies to the actual meter.
