When switching business energy suppliers or checking the details of your bill, you’ll often be asked for your MPAN or MPRN. These numbers identify the supply points for your electricity and gas. Knowing where to find them and what they mean speeds up quotes, avoids delays and ensures your contract is set up correctly.
This guide explains the above and what to do if you can’t locate yours.
What Are MPAN and MPRN Numbers?
What is an MPAN?
Your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is a 21‑digit number that uniquely identifies the electricity supply point for your business premises.
It’s sometimes called a:
Supply Number
Electricity Supply Point Number
S‑Number
This number is used by energy suppliers and network operators to make sure electricity is billed to the correct property.
What is an MPRN?
Your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) is the unique number for your business gas supply.
It’s sometimes called a:
Gas Supply Point Number
Gas Reference Number
M‑Number
Unlike an MPAN, your MPRN is usually up to 10 digits long and has no letters.
Where Do I Find My MPAN Number?
The easiest place to find your MPAN is on your latest business electricity bill. Most suppliers display the MPAN in a dedicated ‘Supply Number’ box. The number looks like this:
S 01 801 1234 567 8901 2345 6
Where to look on the bill:
The top section of the bill
Near the meter reading or supply details
In a labelled ‘MPAN’ or ‘Supply Number’ box
Here’s a simplified breakdown of each part:
MPAN Section | Meaning |
Profile Class | Type of customer |
Meter Time Switch Code (MTC) | Shows how your meter records consumption |
Line Loss Factor Class (LLFC) | Used to calculate distribution charges |
Core (13‑digit section) | The unique part that identifies your supply |
The 13‑digit core is the most important part. This is what suppliers use to generate your quotes.
Where Do I Find My MPRN Number?
You can find your MPRN on your latest business gas bill. An MPRN has no letters or spaces like this:
1234567890
Typical places to look:
Near the gas meter readings
In a ‘Gas Supply Point’ or ‘MPRN’ section
On the first page, often alongside your account number
Can I Find My MPAN and MPRN Without a Bill?
Yes. Even if you don’t have a copy of an energy bill, there are several ways to find your supply numbers.
1. Use the National Lookup Services
Two official services exist:
Number | Lookup Service | What it Provides |
MPAN | Contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) | They can confirm your electricity MPAN |
MPRN | Use the Find My Supplier service | Provides current supplier and your MPRN |
2. Check Your Meter
Some modern meters display the supply number on the screen or on a sticker attached by the network operator.
3. Ask Your Landlord or Building Manager
Supplies for multi‑tenant buildings are often managed centrally.
4. Ask Your Current Supplier
They can confirm the numbers over the phone after verifying your details.
Why Do I Need My MPAN and MPRN Numbers?
Businesses usually need these supply numbers when:
Switching suppliers
Comparing contract quotes
Setting up a new business site
Resolving billing disputes
Checking if a property is live or has a dormant supply
Having these numbers ready makes the switching process faster and avoids delays caused by mismatched supply points.
Why Doesn’t My MPAN or MPRN Match My Meter?
It’s not uncommon for businesses - especially those in shared buildings - to receive mismatched supply details. Common issues are:
Two meters were swapped during installation
An incorrect supply was assigned during a previous switch
Old meters are never removed from the central database
How to fix these issues:
Ask your supplier to run a meter exchange or site verification check
Provide meter serial numbers and recent photos
Confirm the supply point address with the relevant network operator
Resolving these errors early prevents incorrect billing down the line.
In Summary: How to Quickly Find Your MPAN and MPRN
MPAN = Electricity supply number (21 digits)
MPRN = Gas supply number (up to 10 digits)
Both appear on the first few pages of your energy bill
You can find them without a bill via network lookup services
Always check your MPAN and MPRN when switching suppliers