MPAN & MPRN Numbers Explained: How to Find Yours in 2026 Quick Answer
An MPAN identifies an electricity supply point, while an MPRN identifies a gas supply point in Great Britain.
MPAN: Meter Point Administration Number- electricityMPRN: Meter Point Reference Number – gasMPAN core: 13 digitsMPRN: normally a numerical referenceWhere to look first: your latest energy bill or online supplier account
You may need these numbers when switching business energy supplier, moving premises, setting up a supply or resolving a problem with an energy account.
Can’t find them?
For electricity, you can identify your local network operator and ask for the MPAN.
For gas, you can use the official Find My Supplier service to identify the gas supplier and MPRN for a property.
Already have your details? Compare business energy quotes →
Key Takeaways
An MPAN identifies an electricity supply point
An MPRN identifies a gas supply point .
Your MPAN is also commonly called an electricity Supply Number or S Number
The full electricity Supply Number can be displayed as 21 digits, but the 13-digit MPAN core is the unique supply-point identifier normally required.
Your MPAN and MPRN identify the supply point , not simply the physical meter.
Changing supplier does not normally change the property’s MPAN or MPRN.
Your MPAN/MPRN is different from your meter serial number.
A business with several premises can have multiple MPANs and MPRNs.
Some individual premises can also have more than one MPAN.
Your latest business energy bill is normally the easiest place to find these numbers.
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Last updated: September 2026
What Are MPAN & MPRN Numbers? MPANs and MPRNs are identifiers used by the energy industry to identify individual electricity and gas supply points.
If your business uses both electricity and mains gas, you’ll normally have:
one or more MPANs for electricity
and
one or more MPRNs for gas.
They help suppliers and network operators establish exactly which supply point is being referred to.
What Is an MPAN? MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number and it identifies an electricity supply point.
You may also see it described as:
Supply Number
S Number
electricity supply number
The MPAN core contains 13 digits and uniquely identifies the electricity supply point, however, electricity bills can show the Supply Number in a larger 21-digit format beginning with an S .
We’ll explain the difference below.
What Is an MPRN? MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number.
It identifies a gas supply point.
It may also be referred to as:
gas supply number
M Number
If you can’t find it on your bill, the Find My Supplier service can help identify the MPRN associated with the property.
MPAN vs MPRN: What’s the Difference? The easiest way to remember them is:
MPAN MPRN
Full name
Meter Point Administration Number
Meter Point Reference Number
Energy
Electricity
Gas
Identifies
Electricity supply point
Gas supply point
Where to find it
Electricity bill/account
Gas bill/account
If you can’t find it
Contact your electricity network operator
Use Find My Supplier / Meter Point Administration Service
MPAN = electricity.
MPRN = gas.
How to Find Your MPAN Number The easiest place to look is your latest business electricity bill.
Look for terms such as:
MPAN Supply Number S Number
It may appear in a box similar to this:
S
01 801 100
20 1234 5678 901
This is an illustrative format only.
Which Part Is My MPAN?
The bottom row of 13 digits is the MPAN core.
Using the fictional example above 20 1234 5678 901 would be the 13-digit core.
The information displayed above it describes characteristics associated with the electricity supply.
Is the MPAN Printed on the Electricity Meter?
Don’t confuse the MPAN with the number printed on the physical electricity meter.
The number printed on the meter itself is normally the meter serial number .
Your MPAN identifies the electricity supply point .
The meter serial number identifies the physical meter .
How to Read an MPAN Supply Number A full electricity Supply Number is traditionally displayed in a box beginning with the letter S .
It can contain 21 digits.
These are split into different elements.
Section What It Indicates
Profile class
Information about the supply/consumption profile
Meter time-switch code
Information associated with the metering/tariff configuration
Line loss factor class
Information used in electricity distribution/settlement
MPAN core
The unique 13-digit electricity supply-point identifier
For most businesses simply trying to switch supplier or identify a supply, the important number is the 13-digit MPAN core .
How to Find Your MPRN Number Your MPRN should normally appear on your business gas bill or online gas account, so look for:
MPRN Meter Point Reference Number Gas Supply Number M Number
Is My MPRN the Number on My Gas Meter?
Not necessarily – as with electricity, don’t confuse the supply-point reference with the meter serial number printed on the physical meter.
The MPRN identifies the gas supply point
How to Find Your MPAN or MPRN Without a Bill Don’t have an old bill?
You can still find the relevant supply information.
How to Find an MPAN Without an Electricity Bill
Ofgem recommends:
Use the Energy Networks Association postcode search to identify your electricity network operator.
Contact the network operator.
Ask for the MPAN associated with your business premises.
Your network operator is different from your electricity supplier.
Supplier: sells and bills you for electricity.
Network operator: operates the local electricity network that physically carries electricity to the premises.
Use Ofgem’s supplier and network operator guidance →
How to Find an MPRN Without a Gas Bill
For gas, you can use the Meter Point Administration Service’s Find My Supplier service.
Enter the property details to identify the gas supplier and MPRN.
Find your gas supplier and MPRN →
You can also contact the Meter Point Administration Service by telephone.
MPAN/MPRN vs Meter Serial Number This is one of the most common areas of confusion.
Number What It Identifies
MPAN
Electricity supply point
MPRN
Gas supply point
Meter serial number
Physical electricity or gas meter
Why Does the Difference Matter? A physical meter can be replaced but the meter serial number therefore changes when the meter is replaced.
The supply point itself still exists.
That is why your MPAN or MPRN is a more useful identifier when suppliers need to establish which premises and energy supply they’re dealing with.
When Do Businesses Need an MPAN or MPRN? You may be asked for one or both numbers when:
Switching Business Energy Supplier
A prospective supplier needs to identify the correct electricity or gas supply.
See our Business Energy Switching Services Guide .
Comparing Business Energy Quotes
Providing accurate supply information can help make sure suppliers are quoting for the correct premises and meter point.
Moving Business Premises
The MPAN/MPRN helps identify the electricity or gas supply at the new premises.
Managing Multiple Business Sites
Businesses with several premises need to know which supply references relate to each site.
Changing or Replacing Metering
Supply-point information can be required when dealing with meter installations and changes.
Resolving Energy Account Problems
An MPAN or MPRN can help identify exactly which supply is affected where there is confusion about an account or property.
Can a Business Have Multiple MPANs or MPRNs? Yes.
A business with multiple premises may have a separate MPAN and/or MPRN for each supply point.
For example, a business operating:
five shops
a warehouse
an office
could have several different energy supply references to manage.
Can One Property Have More Than One MPAN?
Yes.
Some sites have more than one electricity supply point or metering arrangement.
This makes it particularly important for businesses with complex premises to check that all relevant MPANs are included when comparing or switching energy contracts.
Multi-Site Businesses Create a simple supply register containing:
Site MPAN MPRN Supplier Contract End
Site 1
________
________
________
________
Site 2
________
________
________
________
Site 3
________
________
________
________
This can make future business energy procurement considerably easier.
MPAN & MPRN When Moving Business Premises When moving premises, don’t assume your existing MPAN and MPRN move with the business.
They relate to supply points at the premises.
The new property therefore has its own energy supply details.
When Moving Into New Premises
Record:
meter readings on arrival
meter serial numbers
MPAN
MPRN
existing electricity supplier
existing gas supplier
It’s also sensible to photograph the meters and readings.
Don’t Leave the Energy Contract Unchecked
When a business moves into premises and starts consuming energy without agreeing a contract, it can be supplied under a deemed energy contract .
Once you know the supply details, check the available contract options rather than assuming the existing arrangement is competitive.
Do Your MPAN & MPRN Change When You Switch Supplier? Normally, no.
Your MPAN and MPRN identify the supply point rather than the company currently supplying your energy.
So if your business changes from Supplier A to Supplier B at the same premises, the supply-point reference normally remains the same.
This is one reason the numbers are useful during a supplier switch: they allow the new supplier to identify the correct supply.
What If Your MPAN or MPRN Is Wrong? If the supply details on your account don’t appear to correspond with your premises, contact your supplier.
Problems can be particularly confusing in locations such as:
multi-unit commercial buildings
converted premises
industrial estates
sites with several meters
business centres
Check the Meter Serial Number Too
Compare the meter serial number on the physical meter with the meter details shown on your energy bill.
If they don’t match, raise this with your supplier rather than assuming the account is correct.
Don’t initiate a switch using a supply number you’re uncertain about.
Establish the correct supply point first.
MPAN & MPRN FAQs What is an MPAN?
An MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number, identifies an electricity supply point in Great Britain. The MPAN core contains 13 digits.
What is an MPRN?
An MPRN, or Meter Point Reference Number, identifies a gas supply point.
What is the difference between MPAN and MPRN?
An MPAN is used for electricity. An MPRN is used for gas.
Where can I find my MPAN?
Check your electricity bill or online supplier account for the MPAN, Supply Number or S Number. If you don’t have a bill, identify your electricity network operator and contact it for your supply information.
Where can I find my MPRN?
Check your gas bill or online account. If you don’t have one, use the Find My Supplier service to locate your gas supply information.
Is my MPAN 13 or 21 digits?
The MPAN core is a unique 13-digit identifier. A full electricity Supply Number can be displayed using 21 digits, with additional information above the 13-digit core.
Does an MPAN start with S?
The full Supply Number is commonly displayed in a box beginning with an “S”. The S is a label rather than part of the 13-digit MPAN core.
Is my MPAN on the electricity meter?
Don’t rely on the physical meter to find your MPAN. The number prominently printed on the meter is normally its meter serial number. Check your bill or supplier account for the MPAN.
Is my MPRN on my gas meter?
The number printed on the gas meter is normally its meter serial number rather than the MPRN. Check your bill/account or use Find My Supplier.
Is MPAN the same as a meter serial number?
No. The MPAN identifies the electricity supply point. The meter serial number identifies the physical electricity meter.
Do I need an MPAN to switch electricity supplier?
Your electricity supply needs to be correctly identified for a switch. Having the MPAN available helps identify the correct supply point.
Do I need an MPRN to switch gas supplier?
The gas supply must be correctly identified. Having the MPRN available makes it easier to identify the correct gas supply point.
Does my MPAN change if I switch supplier?
Normally no. It identifies the electricity supply point, not your electricity supplier.
Does my MPRN change if I switch supplier?
Normally no. It identifies the gas supply point, rather than the company supplying your gas.
Can a property have more than one MPAN?
Yes. Some properties and complex sites have multiple electricity supply points and therefore multiple MPANs.
How do I find out who supplies my business electricity?
If you don’t have a bill, Ofgem advises using the Energy Networks Association postcode tool to identify your network operator and then contacting that operator for your electricity supplier details.
How do I find out who supplies my business gas?
Use the Find My Supplier service operated for the Meter Point Administration Service.
Found Your MPAN or MPRN? Compare Business Energy Quotes Once you have the correct supply information, gather:
MPAN and/or MPRN
annual electricity/gas consumption
business postcode
current supplier
current contract end date
recent energy bill
This gives you much of the information needed to start comparing business energy contracts.
Compare tailored business energy quotes →
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Switching & Contracts Prices & Procurement Metering & Energy Management Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.
